Complete Guide to Parental Leave Pay and Return to Work: From Choosing Your Company to Returning

Understanding Parental Leave Basics: Who Can Use It?

Parental leave is a system that allows employees to temporarily leave work to care for their children. As of 2026, all employees who have worked for at least 8 weeks can apply, including not only full-time employees but also contract and temporary workers. Both fathers and mothers can apply, and you can take up to 1 year (12 months) per child. Although you can apply regardless of company size, it's important to consult with your company in advance, as returning to work may be difficult depending on the company's scale or situation.

Parental Leave Benefits: How Much Will You Actually Receive?

In 2026, parental leave benefits consist of two components: parental leave allowance (employment insurance) and child allowance (government support). The parental leave allowance provides 80% of your average wage before leave, with a monthly cap of 1.5 million won. For example, if your monthly salary is 2.5 million won, you would receive 2 million won (80%), but it would be limited to 1.5 million won.

Additionally, a monthly child allowance of 100,000 won (for children under 8 years old) is provided separately, so your actual benefit is the parental leave allowance plus the child allowance. Also, if your spouse uses parental leave together with you, a 'parental allowance special provision' may apply, which allows each parent to receive 100% of their monthly salary for the first 3 months—be sure to check this.

How to Apply for Parental Leave and Required Documents

To apply for parental leave, you must first submit a written application to your company. It's customary to apply 30 days before your scheduled leave date. Documents your company may request include the following:

• Parental leave application form (company format)
• Child's birth certificate or family register
• Health insurance dependent certificate (to verify spouse information)
• Wage records copy (previous 3 months)

After submitting documents, your company's HR team applies to employment insurance, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor conducts a eligibility review before final approval. This typically takes about 2 weeks, and benefits are paid with your next salary after approval. You must continue paying health insurance premiums during your parental leave period, either through automatic deduction from your salary or separate payment.

Important Precautions During Parental Leave

You cannot work during your parental leave period. If you work for another company or start a business, your benefits may be suspended. However, limited lecturing or consulting activities may be permitted in some cases, so check with your company in advance.

Additionally, parental leave benefits are considered income and may be subject to taxation. However, a lower tax rate applies compared to regular wages, and you may receive tax credits if you have children. When your parental leave ends, you must apply to return to work. Legally, your company must reinstate you in the same position or an equivalent role. If your company refuses to reinstate you or offers unfavorable conditions, you can report it to the Employment and Labor Office.

Important Considerations When Using Leave With Your Spouse

While both parents can use parental leave, it's important to note that you cannot use it simultaneously. One parent must work while the other is on leave. However, by utilizing the postpartum parental allowance special provision, both parents can take leave simultaneously for 3 months and each receive 100% of their monthly salary.

For example, you could split the leave where the father takes 3 months after the child's birth, then the mother takes 3 months, and the father takes another 3 months, which minimizes household income loss while allowing focus on childcare. Also, if your spouse is self-employed or a freelancer, be aware that they cannot receive benefits if they're not registered with employment insurance—this needs to be confirmed in advance.

Planning How to Use Your Parental Leave Period

Although parental leave extends up to 1 year, you can divide it into 6-month units. For example, you could use 6 months for your first child and 6 months for your second child separately. Additionally, you can receive pre-return training before your parental leave ends—inquire with your company or the Employment and Labor Office about this. This training provides the latest information needed for work and helps you understand changes in workplace culture.

After returning to work, your salary returns to pre-leave levels, but it's good to consult with your company in advance about whether you can transition to flexible work arrangements or part-time positions that accommodate childcare. Parental leave is a valuable system that prevents career interruption and enables work-life balance, so use it to the fullest according to your circumstances.

This article is information provided by AI that analyzes and organizes various sources. For more accurate information, please verify with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Employment and Labor Service, or your workplace HR department.