- Benefit
- Duration: 1 year (1 year 6 months if both parents each use 3 months or more, or for single parents and parents of children with severe disabilities; can be split up to 4 times). Benefit (in effect Jan. 1, 2025): months 1~3 at 100% of ordinary wages (monthly cap KRW 2,500,000), months 4~6 at 100% (cap KRW 2,000,000), from month 7 at 80% (cap KRW 1,600,000). Single parents: cap of KRW 3,000,000 for the first 3 months. The deferred payment (25% of the benefit paid 6 months after returning to work) is abolished - paid in full during leave (Jan. 1, 2025).
- Who is eligible
- Workers raising a child aged 8 or under or in second grade of elementary school or lower (including pregnant women). For the benefit: an employment insurance insured period of 180 days or more before the leave start date + parental leave of 30 days or more (short-term parental leave is stated as 7 days or more).
- When to apply
- Apply to the employer at least 30 days before the planned leave start date (pregnant female workers can also use it). Apply for the benefit from the 1st month after parental leave starts until within 12 months after it ends.
- How to apply
- Apply for parental leave at the company, and the company prepares the parental leave confirmation. For the benefit, use the Work24 (고용24, https://www.work24.go.kr) website or mobile app, or visit the employment center. Documents: parental leave benefit application, parental leave confirmation (first time only), ordinary wage materials.
- Important notes
- Apply from the 1st month after leave starts until within 12 months after it ends. For leave that started before Jan. 1, 2025, the increased benefit applies to the portion used after the effective date.
- Note
- Using the standard 12 months yields a total of KRW 23,100,000 (previously KRW 18,000,000). Floor of KRW 700,000 per month (statutory standard, confirmed on the official summary page). The 6+6 special provision when both parents use leave is a separate item (parent-6plus6). If you work 15 hours or more per week or have income of KRW 1,500,000 or more per month during parental leave, the benefit for that period is restricted. Applies to children aged 8 (second grade of elementary school) or under.
Based on official sources as of 2026년 10월. Amounts and requirements may change, so please confirm with the official guide before applying.