What are the Paid and Unpaid Leave entitlements in South Korea?

South Korea provides various types of leave to accommodate different personal and family needs. 


Paid Leave

  • Wedding Leave: Employees are entitled to 5 days of paid leave for their wedding.
  • Maternity/Pregnancy Leave: Female employees are granted 90 days of maternity leave, with at least 45 days to be taken after childbirth.
  • Infertility Treatment Leave: Employees can take 3 days of paid leave per year for infertility treatments.
  • Paternity Leave: The second parent is entitled to 10 days of paid leave within 90 days after childbirth.
  • Menstrual Leave: Female employees are entitled to 1 day of paid menstrual leave per month.
  • Nursing Hours: Employees are provided with 30 minutes twice per day for nursing.
  • Family Care Leave: Employees are eligible for 10 days of paid leave per year to care for family members.
  • Bereavement Leave:
    • Death of Parents or Spouse’s Parents: 5 days of paid leave.
    • Death of Children or Spouse’s Children: 3 days of paid leave.
    • Death of Siblings or Spouse’s Siblings: 3 days of paid leave.


Unpaid Leave

  • Childcare Leave: Employees can take up to 1 year of unpaid leave to care for a child, which can be extended until the child turns 8 years old.


These leave provisions help support employees through significant life events and personal responsibilities, ensuring they have the time needed for various important circumstances.

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