Table of Contents

• What is the 6plus6 Parental Leave?
• Eligibility and Target
• Policy Structure and Key Features
• Salary and Benefits
• Examples and Scenarios
• Usage Guidelines and Considerations
• Blogger Recommendations
• FAQ
• Policy Evaluation and Future Challenges
• Parental Leave Application Procedure and Process
• References

1. What is the 6plus6 Parental Leave?

The “6plus6 Parental Leave” system in Korea allows both parents to take parental leave within the first 18 months after the child’s birth. Each parent can receive enhanced leave pay for the first 6 months of their individual leave.

• Parents can take leave simultaneously or sequentially.
• Implemented since January 2023, active until present (2025).
• Expands on the previous 3plus3 system to encourage fathers’ participation.

2. Eligibility and Target

✅ Income Example

3. Policy Structure and Key Features

4. Salary and Benefits

Basic Parental Leave Pay

• Months 1-3: 80% of salary (max 1,500,000 KRW)
• Months 4-12: 50% of salary (max 1,200,000 KRW)
• 25% paid as lump sum after 6 months of returning to work

6+6 Enhanced Leave Pay

5. Examples and Scenarios

Basic Example

• Mother: 6-month leave immediately after birth
• Father: starts leave 3 months later (overlap 3 months)
  → Each receives first 6 months enhanced pay

Complex Example

• Mother: 11-month leave immediately after birth
• Father: 6-month leave starts after mother
• Mother: additional 6-month extended leave

Interpretation:

• Mother’s first 6 months receive enhanced pay; remaining months paid at 50%
• Father’s first 6 months receive enhanced pay

6. Usage Guidelines and Considerations

• Both sequential and simultaneous leave possible
• Must start within 18 months of child birth
• Enhanced pay only for first 6 months per parent
• Partial lump-sum after 6 months of return to work
• Apply at least 30 days in advance; claim pay within 12 months after leave

7. Blogger Recommendations

1. Plan in advance: Decide each parent’s leave schedule before childbirth
2. Sequential use recommended: Mother long leave first, father takes 6 months enhanced pay
3. Check salary caps: Ensure maximum benefit under the cap
4. Coordinate with employer: Confirm start dates, extensions, and workforce coverage
5. Extended leave does not get enhanced pay: Only first 6 months per parent
6. Leverage other benefits: Childcare subsidies, employer incentives

8. FAQ

Q1. Can both parents receive 100% enhanced pay if taking leave simultaneously?
➡ Yes, each parent’s first 6 months receive enhanced pay.

Q2. Can only the father take leave?
➡ Yes, single parent leave is possible.

Q3. Can leave starting after 18 months get enhanced pay?
➡ No, only normal pay applies.

Q4. Are contract or short-term employees eligible?
➡ Yes, but must have at least 180 days of insurance.

Q5. Are there disadvantages for the company if parents take leave simultaneously?
➡ Legally protected; only staffing adjustments are necessary.

9. Policy Evaluation and Future Challenges

• Encourages father participation in childcare
• Issues: salary cap, workforce coverage in SMEs, low awareness
• Future plans: flexible work, remote childcare support

10. Parental Leave Application Procedure and Process

The parental leave process in Korea consists of three main steps:
① Company (or organization) → ② Employment Center (Korea Employment Insurance website) → ③ Return and post-management.
Under the 6+6 Parental Leave System, both parents must apply individually.

🏢 1️⃣ Internal Application to the Company (or Organization)

📌 Application Period

• Must be submitted at least 30 days before the start date of parental leave.

📄 Required Documents

✅ Internal Approval Process

1. Submit the application to the HR or administration department.
2. Obtain approval from the department head and HR.
3. Modify the employment contract to reflect the leave period.
4. Adjust social insurance (maintain or suspend during leave).

💡 Notes for Employers

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may apply for a government subsidy for hiring replacement workers.
• Public institutions and government employees must use their internal HR systems (e.g., Narae-Ilteo, Government Employee Attendance System).

🌐 2️⃣ Application to the Employment Insurance (Employment Center)

After receiving company approval, apply for the Parental Leave Allowance through the
Employment Insurance website (https://www.ei.go.kr) or by visiting your local Employment Center.

📌 Application Period

• Applications can be made anytime after the leave begins.
• Must be submitted within 12 months after the leave ends to receive payment.

📄 Online Application Steps (via Employment Insurance website)

1. Visit https://www.ei.go.kr
2. Log in → Go to Personal Services → Select “Apply for Parental Leave Allowance”
3. Fill out the application form
4. Upload required documents:
   • Parental Leave Confirmation (issued by the company)
   • Regular wage statement or employment contract
   • Family Relation or Birth Certificate
   • (If applicable) Business registration certificate
5. Submit and print the application receipt
6. The local Employment Center reviews and approves the application

💰 Payment Schedule

• Reviewed at the end of each month and paid between the 10th and 15th of the following month.
• 25% of the total allowance is paid after the employee returns to work and continues for at least six months.

🏦 3️⃣ Procedures for Public Sector Employees

Public institutions and government employees follow a separate internal HR process,
not through the Employment Insurance system.

📄 Summary of Procedures

1. Apply for parental leave via the internal HR system.
2. Obtain approval through the internal workflow.
3. Submit to the Ministry of Personnel Management (for government employees) or local education office (for teachers).
4. Allowance is paid directly through the institution’s payroll system.

💡 Key Differences

📆 4️⃣ Return and Post-Leave Procedures

1. Submit a “Return to Work Application” to the company upon completion of leave.
2. The Employment Insurance system automatically updates your status.
3. After 6 months of continuous work, you receive the remaining 25% of the allowance as a lump-sum.
4. Submit any additional documents if requested by the Employment Center (e.g., proof of employment).

📌 Overall Process Summary

💬 Blogger Tips

• 💡 Each parent must apply individually, even when taking leave at the same time.
• 💡 Apply early to avoid missing deadlines (must be within 12 months after leave ends).
• 💡 Eligibility for enhanced pay (within 6 months, child under 18 months) is automatically verified by the Employment Center.

References

• Ministry of Employment and Labor, “6+6 Parental Leave Guide”
• Korea Employment Information Service (KEIS), Policy Q&A
• Life Laws Info, Parental Leave Salary Claim Guide
• Government Briefing, Suwon City Public Notice