South Korea Led World in Paid Paternity Leave Value
New research shows South Korean fathers receive over £17,800 in statutory benefits, far outpacing global peers.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Child Care
Live Poll
Should your national government mandate paid paternity leave for all working fathers?
South Korea has emerged as the global leader in statutory paid paternity leave, offering benefits valued at more than £17,803 for eligible fathers. This financial support reflects a substantial commitment to parental leave as 95,064 workers began receiving these benefits in the first half of 2025.
Why it matters
The gap between international paternity leave policies is significant, as 51 countries including the United States, Serbia, and New Zealand currently offer no statutory paid paternity leave. These figures highlight how widely financial protections for working parents vary across global labor markets.
South Korea offers 82 weeks of paid parental leave, equivalent to 43.4 weeks of full pay, which surpasses the 48 weeks offered in Japan and the 42.1 weeks in Hungary. In contrast, the United Kingdom provides only two weeks of statutory paternity leave at a set weekly rate.
The players
Moorepay
An international human resources and payroll service provider that researches labor regulations and leave policies.
World Bank
An international financial institution whose income-per-capita data provided the basis for valuing these leave benefits.
The details
Researchers calculated the value of these leave policies by modeling a first-born, non-adopted child with both parents employed in the private sector. The valuation utilized World Bank average income-per-capita figures to determine the total financial benefit. In South Korea, the policy structure allows fathers to access 20 days of full pay followed by an 18-month period of continued compensation.
Timeline
January to June 2023: Baseline period for parental leave benefit recipient data.
January to June 2025: Period in which 95,064 workers received parental benefits.
The Home Front
International labor policies remain deeply fragmented, with significant disparities in how nations subsidize family leave for working parents. These variations reflect broader differences in national economic planning and government-mandated family support structures.
Families working in different global jurisdictions should consult their national labor portals or human resources departments to confirm their specific leave eligibility. It is essential to review current company handbooks to identify any supplemental private leave benefits that may exceed local statutory minimums.
The takeaway
While South Korea provides a high-value model for paternity leave, global access remains inconsistent for many families. Parents should verify their local statutory rights by contacting their national employment office or reviewing their specific labor contract terms.
Further reading
Find more on current trends in family support by visiting our Child Care section.
Live Poll
Should your national government mandate paid paternity leave for all working fathers?
