- Benefit
- In 2026, the government payment cap is KRW 2,200,000 per month on a 30-day basis (in effect Jan. 1, 2026, raised from KRW 2,100,000 in 2025). If ordinary wages for 90 days exceed KRW 6,600,000 (3 months x KRW 2,200,000), KRW 6,600,000 is the cap (premature birth, 100 days: KRW 7,333,330; multiple births, 120 days: KRW 8,800,000). The floor is based on the minimum wage (if the hourly minimum wage is higher than ordinary wages, it is calculated at the minimum wage).
- Who is eligible
- Workers who took maternity leave under Article 74 of the Labor Standards Act and have a combined employment insurance insured period of 180 days or more before the leave end date. If you take a job at another workplace during the leave, no benefit is paid thereafter.
- When to apply
- Apply from 1 month after the day the leave started until within 12 months after the leave ends (expires after the deadline).
- How to apply
- Apply online at Work24 (고용24, https://www.work24.go.kr) or visit or mail to the local employment center. Documents: maternity leave benefit application, maternity leave confirmation (first time only, prepared by the company), ordinary wage verification materials, employer payment verification materials, and a medical certificate for premature births. Paid into the designated account.
- Important notes
- From 1 month after the leave start date until within 12 months after it ends. For unavoidable reasons such as natural disasters or illness, within 30 days after the reason ends (document cooperation is needed if the company applies for the benefit on your behalf). Criminal penalties for fraudulent receipt.
- Note
- Priority support companies (small and medium-sized enterprises): for the employer-paid portion, the first 60 days (75 days for multiples), the government also supports up to KRW 2,200,000 per month + the last 30 days (45 days for multiples) are paid by the government. If ordinary wages exceed the cap, the company pays the difference. Large companies: for the first 60 days (75 days for multiples) the company pays full ordinary wages, and only the last 30 days (45 days for multiples) are paid by the government up to KRW 2,200,000 per month. Scope of priority support companies: manufacturing 500 employees or fewer; mining, construction, transport and warehousing, information and communications, professional/science/technology and similar 300 or fewer; wholesale and retail, accommodation and food service, finance and insurance and similar 200 or fewer; other industries 100 or fewer (varies by industry; confirm the exact determination with the employment center).
Based on official sources as of 2026년 10월. Amounts and requirements may change, so please confirm with the official guide before applying.