Maternity and partner childbirth leave in 2026

Maternity leave is generally 90 days, or 120 for multiple births. Paid partner childbirth leave is 20 days, with separate benefit and timing rules.

Checked 2026-09-23 · Estimates and reference information, not legal or tax advice.

Maternity leave period

A pregnant employee generally receives 90 days around childbirth, with at least 45 after birth. Multiple births allow 120 days, with at least 60 after birth; the source also describes a 100-day rule for premature birth. The first 60 days (75 for multiple births) are paid under the stated system.

Maternity leave benefits

Employment insurance supports ordinary wage during eligible leave up to a monthly KRW 2.2 million cap. Employer and insurance shares differ for priority-support and large enterprises. Eligibility includes insured-unit and application-period conditions.

Partner childbirth leave

Paid partner leave is 20 days and may be split up to three times. From September 18, 2026, the use window runs from 50 days before the expected birth to 120 days after birth. For eligible priority-support enterprises, employment insurance supports the 20 days subject to its cap.

Additional partner support from September 2026

The cited changes also introduce up to five days for a partner after miscarriage or stillbirth, with the first three paid, and a limited prenatal parental-leave option where there is risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Check eligibility and application timing with the employment center.

Sources

These Korean-language sources were checked on 2026-09-23. Laws and rates may have changed; consult the originals before an important decision.