2025 Complete Guide to Paternity Parental Leave in Korea – Application Procedure and Salary Examples
Table of Contents
- What is Paternity Parental Leave?
- Eligibility and Conditions
- How Parental Leave Salary is Calculated
- Detailed Application Procedure
- Tips for Filling the Application Form
- Actual Salary Examples
- Recommended Strategies
- FAQ
- References and Resources
What is Paternity Parental Leave?
Paternity parental leave allows fathers to take time off work after the birth of a child to focus on childcare.
As of 2025, both mothers and fathers can take up to 12 months, with fathers eligible for a concentrated first 6-month support program.
Eligibility and Conditions
- Must be a worker enrolled in employment insurance in Korea
- Child must be under 8 years old or in grade 2 of elementary school
- One usage per child per workplace
How Parental Leave Salary is Calculated
Salary during leave is calculated as follows:
| Period | Salary Rate | Upper/Lower Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1~3 | 80% of average monthly wage | Upper 2,000,000 KRW, Lower 1,000,000 KRW |
| Month 4~6 | 50% of average monthly wage | Upper 1,500,000 KRW, Lower 800,000 KRW |
Note: The first 3 months are a concentrated support period, especially favorable for low-income workers.
Detailed Application Procedure
To apply for paternity parental leave, follow these steps:
Check with HR or Employment Insurance website
- Confirm employment insurance enrollment
- Check leave eligibility period
Plan the leave period
- Decide start and end dates
- Coordinate with spouse if needed
Fill out the application form
- Use company form or Ministry of Labor online form
- Required info: name, employee ID, child’s birthdate, leave start/end dates, bank account
Submit to company and get approval
- Submit to HR department
- Once approved, registered with employment insurance
Online application to Employment Insurance Office
- Visit Employment Insurance Parental Leave Page
- Login, upload application form
- Salary payment starts after approval
Confirm application status
- Check approval
- Verify payment date, amount, and period
Tip: Always keep a copy of approval notification and double-check salary payment schedule.
Tips for Filling the Application Form
- Enter correct child birthdate and leave start date
- Attach bank account copy
- Keep a copy for personal record
Actual Salary Examples
For a worker earning 2,500,000 KRW per month taking the first 6 months of paternity leave:
| Period | Calculation | Actual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1~3 | 2,500,000 × 80% | 2,000,000 KRW (cap applied) |
| Month 4~6 | 2,500,000 × 50% | 1,250,000 KRW |
Total support over 6 months: ~9,250,000 KRW
Recommended Strategies
- Use first 3 months intensively: higher salary rate, stable childcare
- Coordinate with spouse to use 6+6 months optimally
- Apply online and via company simultaneously to reduce delays
FAQ
Q1. Can only fathers use parental leave?
A1. Yes, fathers can use it alone or split with the spouse using the 6+6 method.
Q2. When is the salary paid?
A2. Paid at the end of each month or beginning of next month after approval.
Q3. What happens if I resign during leave?
A3. Payment is made until the month of resignation; after that, it stops.