Maternity leave
Maternity leave is something you apply for, and the company cannot refuse it.
The basics
- Pre- and post-natal leave — taken around the birth. Check the duration and benefit criteria with 1350.
- Miscarriage and stillbirth leave — separately provided for.
- Spouse's maternity leave — a partner can apply too.
- Maternity leave benefit — available if you meet the employment insurance criteria. See employment-insurance.
- Nationality is irrelevant — any employee qualifies.
The process
- Tell the company in advance and apply. Keep it in writing.
- Prepare proof of the due date (maternity handbook, medical certificate).
- Apply for the employment insurance benefit through an employment centre. Confirm the procedure with 1350.
- Agree your return date with the company.
- You can then apply for parental leave. See parental-leave.
What is protected
- Dismissal is restricted during maternity leave and for a period afterwards.
- Unfavourable treatment because of the leave is prohibited.
- On return you should go back to your original or an equivalent role.
Where to go
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (maternity leave and benefits)
- Your nearest employment centre
- 1577-1366 Danuri Call Centre (multilingual)
- 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (birth support)
- Local family centres — see birth-support.
Questions people ask
My company says no. Statutory leave cannot be refused. Report to 1350.
I'm on a fixed-term contract — can I take it? Any employee qualifies. Check how it interacts with your contract period with 1350.
Writing the application in Korean is hard. 1577-1366 or a family centre can help.
Is there support with birth costs? Yes. Ask 129 and your community centre. See birth-support and childbirth-cost.
Take care
Record it immediately if you are treated unfairly after announcing a pregnancy. Being taken off duties, pay cuts and pressure to resign can all be problems. You can consult 1350 and 1331 (National Human Rights Commission).
Related
parental-leave · pregnancy-work-protection · birth-support · employment-insurance · childbirth-cost
Source
Ministry of Employment and Labour www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08