Leave · Work

Spouse Childbirth Leave (배우자 출산휴가, 20 Days) and Benefit: How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

20 days of paid leave (the employer is obligated to pay ordinary wages). For workers of priority support companies, the government supports 20 days of ordinary wages with a cap of KRW 1,684,210 (in effect Jan. 1, 2026).

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: Male (or applicable) workers whose spouse gave birth. For benefit support: employed at a priority support company + employment insurance enrollment of 180 days or more before the leave end date.
When to apply: From Sept. 18, 2026, request and use from 50 days before the expected delivery date until within 120 days after childbirth (previously within 120 days after childbirth only). May be split up to 3 times (used in up to 4 portions). Apply for the benefit within 12 months after the leave ends.
How to apply: Request from the employer with a document (electronic documents allowed) stating the spouse's childbirth (expected) date and the start date of use. For the benefit, use Work24 (고용24, https://www.work24.go.kr) or visit the employment center.
Important notes: The right to request expires 120 days after childbirth. The benefit must be applied for within 12 months after the leave ends.
Note: Government benefit support applies only to priority support companies (small and medium-sized enterprises); at large companies the company pays the 20 paid days (no government support). From Feb. 23, 2025: 10 days -> 20 days, usage deadline 90 days -> 120 days, splitting once -> 3 times. Details of benefit payment for those using it from 50 days before the expected delivery date (newly added Sept. 18) are not stated in the press release - confirming with the employment center (1350) is recommended.

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

Spouse Childbirth Leave (배우자 출산휴가, 20 Days) and Benefit: who can receive it?

Male (or applicable) workers whose spouse gave birth. For benefit support: employed at a priority support company + employment insurance enrollment of 180 days or more before the leave end date.

Spouse Childbirth Leave (배우자 출산휴가, 20 Days) and Benefit: how do I apply?

Request from the employer with a document (electronic documents allowed) stating the spouse's childbirth (expected) date and the start date of use. For the benefit, use Work24 (고용24, https://www.work24.go.kr) or visit the employment center.

Spouse Childbirth Leave (배우자 출산휴가, 20 Days) and Benefit: how much will I receive?

Spouse Childbirth Leave (배우자 출산휴가, 20 Days) and Benefit: when can I apply?

From Sept. 18, 2026, request and use from 50 days before the expected delivery date until within 120 days after childbirth (previously within 120 days after childbirth only). May be split up to 3 times (used in up to 4 portions). Apply for the benefit within 12 months after the leave ends.