Starting Jan. 1 next year, the parental leave pay will increase to a maximum of 2.5 million won per month. The substitute workforce support grant related to parental leave will also increase from the current 800,000 won to 1.2 million won per month.
According to the government's publication released on the 31st titled "Changes from 2025," the parental leave pay will increase to a maximum of 2.5 million won next year. The current maximum is 1.5 million won per month.
Specifically, the pay during parental leave will increase to 2.5 million won for months 1-3, 2 million won for months 4-6, and 1.6 million won from the 7th month onward.
The post-payment system will also be abolished. Currently, 25% of the parental leave pay is given six months after returning, but starting next year, the full amount will be received during the parental leave period without post-payment.
Single parent workers will have their first three months of parental leave pay increased from the current 2.5 million won to 3 million won per month.
Parents who have already commenced parental leave will also receive the increased pay starting from Jan. 1.
Spousal paternity leave will be extended from 10 days to 20 days. The infertility treatment leave period will also be extended from the current three days to six days, and the paid period will increase from one day to two days.
The "Reduced Working Hours for Child Care" system, which allows reducing working hours for child-rearing, will also be significantly expanded. Starting in February next year, the eligible age for children will extend from the current 8 years old or younger and below second grade in elementary school to 12 years old or younger and below sixth grade in elementary school.