The number of South Korean workers taking parental leave hit a record high in 2024. This surge is attributed to a rise in births last year and the impact of government policies promoting parental leave. There is also a growing trend toward shared leave between mothers and fathers.
The number of South Korean workers taking parental leave reached 206,226 in 2024, up from 198,218 the previous year, marking a record high, according to data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics released Wednesday.
This increase is partly due to a 3.6 percent rise in births to 238,300—the first uptick in nine years from a low of 230,000 in 2023—and the effects of government policies encouraging parental leave.
Under South Korean law, parents of children aged 8 or younger, or in second grade of elementary school or below, are eligible for up to one year of maternity or paternity leave. To combat the nation's ultralow birth rate, the government offers financial assistance to employment insurance subscribers on leave.
While women still dominate at 70.8 percent of takers, fathers' participation grew to 60,117, an increase of 9,302 from the prior year, signaling a shift toward shared responsibilities.
The average age of parents on leave has risen gradually, reflecting trends of delayed marriage and childbirth. Among male takers, 67.9 percent were from companies with 300 or more employees, compared to 57.7 percent for women.
