South Korea is rolling out new policies aimed at improving work-life balance for families. Starting February 23, 2025, major updates to parental leave, subfertility treatment leave, and childcare support will take effect under revisions to the Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act and the Employment Insurance Act.

These changes reflect the government's push to support working parents and encourage a healthier balance between career and family life.

Paternity Leave Doubled to 20 Days

One of the most notable changes is the expansion of paternity leave from 10 days to 20 days. Fathers can now split this leave into up to three separate periods, allowing more flexibility during the early stages of parenthood. This move aims to give families more support during a critical time while helping to shift cultural expectations around caregiving roles.

More Leave Days for Subfertility Treatment

Employees receiving treatment for subfertility will also benefit from increased support. Annual leave for subfertility treatment will rise from 3 to 6 days per year, with 2 of those days now paid (previously only one). This change helps ease the burden for couples undergoing medical procedures as part of their family planning journey.

Extended Parental Leave When Both Parents Participate

To encourage shared parenting, couples who both take more than three months of parental leave will now be eligible for an additional six months of combined leave. This means if both parents actively share child-rearing responsibilities, they can receive extra time off to care for their child during the early years.

Reduced Working Hours Extended to Parents with Older Children

The age limit for children eligible for reduced working hours during childcare has also been raised. Previously limited to parents of children 8 years old or younger, the updated law now extends this benefit to those with children up to 12 years old or in 6th grade or lower.

Additionally, any unused portion of parental leave can now be converted into extra hours of reduced work time, giving parents more ways to balance job responsibilities with family needs.

These new policies represent a significant step toward building a more family-friendly workplace culture in Korea. Employers and HR teams are encouraged to review these changes and update their internal policies to stay compliant and support their teams.

For more information on the upcoming changes, visit the Korean Law Information Center (http://www.law.go.kr)