South KoreaHow many days of maternity leave am I entitled to?
You are entitled to 90 days of paid maternity leave in South Korea, with an additional 60 days of optional unpaid leave available.
What the Law Says
South Korean law guarantees statutory maternity leave to female workers who give birth. The duration, timing, and wage support are defined in the Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act.
Under South Korean law, every female worker is entitled to 90 days of maternity leave. This leave must begin no earlier than 30 days before the expected date of childbirth and must include at least 60 days after childbirth.
The employer must pay 100% of the worker’s average wage during the 90-day period. This payment is funded through the Employment Insurance system — not directly by the employer.
An additional 60 days of unpaid maternity leave may be taken upon request, provided the employer agrees. This extension does not carry wage entitlements but preserves job security.
Statutory TextA female worker who gives birth shall be granted maternity leave of ninety days, including at least sixty days after childbirth.
— Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act, s. 19 — Maternity Leave
Statutory TextThe employer shall pay wages for the period of maternity leave… equal to one hundred percent of the average wage.
— Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act, s. 19-2 — Wage Payment During Maternity Leave
Statutory TextA female worker may request additional maternity leave of up to sixty days… which shall be unpaid.
— Enforcement Decree of the Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act, s. 14-2 — Additional Maternity Leave
What to Do
Notify your employer in writing at least 15 days before your intended leave start date.
Submit a medical certificate confirming pregnancy and expected delivery date.
Apply for maternity benefits through the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWELFARE) within 30 days of leave start.
If requesting extended unpaid leave, submit a written request to your employer before the end of the initial 90-day period.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.