South Korea Expands Spousal Birth Leave Support and Streamlines Job Creation Subsidies
Workers at small and medium-sized businesses who cover the duties of colleagues on spousal childbirth leave will be eligible for government subsidies starting July 1, according to revisions announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. These changes aim to encourage greater male participation in childcare and improve the efficiency of employment support systems.
Expanded Subsidies for Spousal Birth Leave Coverage
Currently, the workload-sharing subsidy program applies when employees cover for colleagues on parental leave or those with reduced working hours for childcare. The revisions extend eligibility to workers who cover for colleagues taking 20 days of spousal childbirth leave. The Ministry of Employment and Labor will reimburse employers at eligible businesses for allowances paid to these covering workers.
The subsidy is currently capped at 600,000 won (approximately $400 USD) per month for those covering parental leave and 200,000 won (approximately $133 USD) per month for those covering reduced working hours for childcare. The amount of support for spousal childbirth leave coverage is still under review and will be announced following further assessment.
Streamlined Job Creation and Employment Promotion
In addition to the expanded leave coverage, the ministry has also taken steps to accelerate job creation and simplify the application process for employment subsidies.
The reporting deadline for the start of operations under the regional employment promotion subsidy has been reduced from 18 months to six months. This subsidy supports employers who relocate, establish, or expand operations in employment crisis zones and hire local job seekers for at least six months.
the application period for the employment promotion incentive has been extended from 12 months to 18 months after hiring, easing the administrative burden on employers.
Government Commitment to Labor Support
“This revision is intended to provide practical support for men’s participation in child care and improve the employment insurance support system so that it can be more helpful in people’s function and daily lives,” said Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon.
Gyeonggi Regional Employment and Labor Office Established
These changes approach alongside the recent establishment of the Gyeonggi Regional Employment and Labor Office on December 30, 2025. Located in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, the new office will serve residents of Suwon, Yongin, and Hwaseong, addressing previous gaps in labor ministry coverage. The office aims to reduce inconveniences for residents accessing labor services and improve industrial accident prevention in the region.
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