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National Pension Old-Age Pension (국민연금 노령연금, Early or Deferred Option): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

Paid for life with 10 or more years of contributions. Age 65 for those born in 1969 or later; early up to 5 years (0.5% per month reduction), deferred up to 5 years (0.6% per month increase)

This page is a translation of the Korean original and is for reference only. The official Korean guidance is the authoritative source for amounts and conditions, so be sure to confirm on the official website before applying. View Korean original (한국어)

Benefit: With 10 or more years of contributions, the old-age pension starts at the eligible age by birth year (born 1961-64: age 63; 1965-68: age 64; 1969 or later: age 65). Early old-age pension can be taken up to 5 years early with a 6% reduction per year (0.5% per month), up to 30%. Deferred pension adds 0.6% per month, up to 5 years and 36%. 2026 pension amounts adjusted +2.1% for inflation.
Who is eligible: 10 or more years in the National Pension + reaching the eligible age (apply 5 years early for early pension). Apply by visiting a Service branch office, by mail, online or via the app.
When to apply: Apply before reaching the eligible age (deferral applications are made before the pension starts). Anytime.
How to apply: National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch office, mail, 'National Pension By My Side' (내 곁에 국민연금, nps.or.kr), mobile app. Inquiries 1355.
Important notes: Claim within 5 years of acquiring the right (statute of limitations if unclaimed). Early or deferred choices are hard to withdraw once made, so decide after checking your estimated amount.
Note: While receiving an early pension, working in an income-earning job may reduce or suspend the benefit. Affects the linked reduction in the Basic Pension (기초연금).

Go to the official guide →

Based on official sources as of 2026년 10월. Amounts and requirements may change, so please confirm with the official guide before applying.

Frequently asked questions

National Pension Old-Age Pension (국민연금 노령연금, Early or Deferred Option): who can receive it?

10 or more years in the National Pension + reaching the eligible age (apply 5 years early for early pension). Apply by visiting a Service branch office, by mail, online or via the app.

National Pension Old-Age Pension (국민연금 노령연금, Early or Deferred Option): how do I apply?

National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch office, mail, 'National Pension By My Side' (내 곁에 국민연금, nps.or.kr), mobile app. Inquiries 1355.

National Pension Old-Age Pension (국민연금 노령연금, Early or Deferred Option): how much will I receive?

With 10 or more years of contributions, the old-age pension starts at the eligible age by birth year (born 1961-64: age 63; 1965-68: age 64; 1969 or later: age 65). Early old-age pension can be taken up to 5 years early with a 6% reduction per year (0.5% per month), up to 30%. Deferred pension adds 0.6% per month, up to 5 years and 36%. 2026 pension amounts adjusted +2.1% for inflation.

National Pension Old-Age Pension (국민연금 노령연금, Early or Deferred Option): when can I apply?

Apply before reaching the eligible age (deferral applications are made before the pension starts). Anytime.