Parental leave
It is separate from maternity leave, and can follow on from it.
The basics
- Parental leave — leave to care for a child below a set age.
- Both parents can use it.
- Parental leave benefit — available if you meet the employment insurance criteria.
- Reduced working hours for childcare — an alternative to full leave.
- Durations, benefits and criteria change often — confirm with 1350.
The process
- Decide the timing and length and apply to the company. Keep it in writing.
- Prepare proof of family relationship (documents about the child).
- Apply for the benefit at an employment centre. Confirm the procedure with 1350.
- Agree your return date and duties.
- After returning, look into nurseries and childcare services. See daycare-enrollment and childcare-support.
What is protected
- Dismissal or unfavourable treatment because of parental leave is prohibited.
- On return you should go back to your original or an equivalent role.
- Whether the leave counts towards length of service — check with 1350.
Where to go
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (parental leave and benefits)
- Your nearest employment centre
- 1577-1366 Danuri Call Centre (multilingual)
- 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (childcare support)
- Local family centres
Questions people ask
Can foreign residents use it? Any employee qualifies regardless of nationality. Check the employment insurance criteria with 1350.
My company refuses. Refusing statutory leave can be a violation. Report to 1350.
My child is in my home country. Requirements about the child vary by situation. Check yours with 1350.
Can I reduce my hours instead? There is a reduced-hours scheme for childcare. Ask 1350.
Take care
Always apply in writing and keep a copy. Verbal applications lead to later disputes over whether you applied at all. If the company pressures you to resign during leave, consult 1350 immediately.
Related
maternity-leave · pregnancy-work-protection · childcare-leave-benefit · daycare-enrollment · employment-insurance
Source
Ministry of Employment and Labour www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08