South Korea Has Ranked First for Paternity Leave Value
New research shows South Korean fathers receive the world's most generous statutory paid paternity benefits.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Child Care
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A study by Moorepay identified South Korea as providing the highest-value statutory paid paternity leave globally. This support provides significant financial backing for new fathers, while 51 countries, including the United States, currently offer no such statutory protection.
Why it matters
Understanding global paternity leave policies highlights disparities in family support systems and the varying levels of financial stability provided to new parents during a critical transition period.
Researchers used a model of a first-born, non-adopted child with two parents in the private sector to evaluate statutory leave. The study utilized World Bank average income-per-capita figures to calculate the value of leave across nations.
The players
Moorepay
A research entity that tracks global workplace policies and payroll benefits.
World Bank
An international financial institution that provides data on global income and development metrics.
The details
South Korea offers fathers 82 weeks of paid parental leave, including 20 days at full pay, which totals an equivalent of 43.4 weeks at full pay. This model is supported by a significant increase in uptake, with 95,064 workers receiving parental leave benefits in the first half of 2025, a 37% increase compared to the first half of 2023.
Timeline
January to June 2023 served as the baseline period for parental leave benefit recipients.
January to June 2025 saw 95,064 workers receive parental leave benefits.
Health Landscape
This findings reflect a broader trend in family health policy where nations are increasingly formalizing paternity benefits to support parental well-being. It stands in contrast to the persistent gap in countries like the United States, where federal statutory paid paternity leave remains absent.
Paternity leave can directly influence family stress levels and the ability for both parents to participate in early-stage infant care. If you are navigating leave options, it is worth discussing your employer’s specific policies and your country's legal requirements with a trusted advisor.
The takeaway
The economic value of paternity leave varies drastically by location, impacting the financial health of new families. Families should track changes in national legislation and local employer benefits to better plan for their transition into parenthood.
Further reading
For more on how family-friendly policies influence health, visit our Child Care section.
Live Poll
Should your national government mandate paid paternity leave for all working fathers?
