Since 2008, companies in Korea are legally obligated to permit not only maternity leave but also paternity leave.

Maternity Leave in Korea

The entire 90 days is divided into two periods in terms of payment.

The first 60 days are to be calculated at regular wage amount by the employer. The remaining 30 days are covered by the unemployment insurance coverage up to 1.35million won. More than 45 days out of 90days must be taken after giving a birth.

An employee who has paid for the unemployment insurance are entitled to get this grant. The period to apply for the grant is from a month after beginning of maternity leave to 12 months after the end of maternity leave. A confirmation document issued by the employer and an application are required to submit to an employment support center.

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I. Labor Standard Act

• 40 working hours per week : This is mandatory for companies that hire 20 employees or more as of July 1, 2008
• Reduction of working hours from 44 to 40
• Adjustment of annual monthly leave:  Before revision: 10 days (one additional leave day to be granted every year).  After revision: 15 days (one additional day to be granted every 2^nd year, but the maximum of this addition will be 25days)
• Monthly leave is abolished.
• Menstruation leave: Changed from paid leave to unpaid leave

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