Korea's maternity and parental leave systems

In 2025, South Korea will significantly improve maternity and parental leave systems. Here are the key changes compared to 2024:

 

Maternity Leave:

• Duration: From 90 days (2024) to 120 days (2025).
• Pay: Full 100% wage compensation for the entire leave (120 days).

Parental Leave:

• First 6 months: 100% pay (up to 2.5 million KRW).
• After 6 months: 90% pay (up to 1.8 million KRW).
• Duration: Up to 18 months (previously 12 months).
• Split Usage: Up to 4 periods (previously 2).
• Bonus for Fathers: 100% wage compensation for the first 6 months of the second parental leave.

Simultaneous Parental Leave: Both parents can take leave simultaneously with full pay for the first 6 months, totaling 4.5 million KRW.

Single-Parent Families: Parental leave pay will increase to up to 3 million KRW.