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Reduced Working Hours During Pregnancy (임신기 근로시간 단축): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

A 2-hour reduction per day is allowed (if daily working hours are under 8, hours are reduced so that they become 6). Wage reductions because of the shortened hours are prohibited (the reduced hours are counted as worked when calculating annual leave).

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)

Who is eligible: Female workers who are pregnant (Article 74(7) of the Labor Standards Act). Gestational week requirement: within 12 weeks of pregnancy or after 32 weeks (in effect since Feb. 23, 2025, expanded from after 36 weeks previously). The entire pregnancy period in cases set by Ministry of Employment and Labor ordinance, such as risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
When to apply: Within 12 weeks of pregnancy or after 32 weeks (the entire pregnancy for high-risk pregnant women). Submit to the employer, at least 3 days before the planned start of the reduction, a document stating the pregnancy period and planned start and end dates of the reduction, with a doctor's certificate attached.
How to apply: Apply in writing to the employer (with a doctor's certificate attached). If refused or treated unfavorably, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor 1350 or the Labor Portal maternity protection report center (https://labor.moel.go.kr/reportCntr/maternityProtect.do).
Important notes: Apply at least 3 days before the planned start date. For the period after 32 weeks, be careful with the week calculation (based on the first day of the last menstrual period).
Note: Wages are maintained as is, and employers may receive separate subsidies (such as the Reduced Working Hours During Pregnancy Subsidy) - no burden on the worker. For high-risk pregnancies (risk of miscarriage or premature birth, etc.), it can be used for the entire period if diagnosed by a doctor.

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

Reduced Working Hours During Pregnancy (임신기 근로시간 단축): who can receive it?

Female workers who are pregnant (Article 74(7) of the Labor Standards Act). Gestational week requirement: within 12 weeks of pregnancy or after 32 weeks (in effect since Feb. 23, 2025, expanded from after 36 weeks previously). The entire pregnancy period in cases set by Ministry of Employment and Labor ordinance, such as risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Reduced Working Hours During Pregnancy (임신기 근로시간 단축): how do I apply?

Apply in writing to the employer (with a doctor's certificate attached). If refused or treated unfavorably, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor 1350 or the Labor Portal maternity protection report center (https://labor.moel.go.kr/reportCntr/maternityProtect.do).

Reduced Working Hours During Pregnancy (임신기 근로시간 단축): how much will I receive?

Reduced Working Hours During Pregnancy (임신기 근로시간 단축): when can I apply?

Within 12 weeks of pregnancy or after 32 weeks (the entire pregnancy for high-risk pregnant women). Submit to the employer, at least 3 days before the planned start of the reduction, a document stating the pregnancy period and planned start and end dates of the reduction, with a doctor's certificate attached.