What maternity and paternity leave rights do foreign workers have in Korea, and how do I claim the benefits I am entitled to?

Foreign workers on E-series, F-series, or any work visa get the same maternity and paternity protections as Korean nationals as long as you've been employed at the company for at least 180 days under employment insurance (고용보험). Maternity leave is 90 days total, with at least 45 days taken after birth, and the first 60 days are paid by your employer at full salary while the remaining 30 days are paid by the government up to 2 million won per month. For multiple births like twins, it extends to 120 days.

Paternity leave is now 20 working days, fully paid by the government. You can also take parental leave (육아휴직) of up to 1 year per parent until the child turns 8, paid at 80 percent of salary for the first 3 months (capped at 1.5 million won), then 50 percent. To claim, your employer files first with the Employment and Labor Office, then you submit to your local Employment Welfare Plus Center (고용복지플러스센터) with your ARC, employment contract, and birth certificate. Processing takes about 14 days. The Ministry of Employment and Labor has English guides on their website.