PangPang ToolsKorea Parents-Together 6+6 Benefit: 2026 Caps & Sequential Leave
Korea's parents-together 6+6 parental leave benefit can apply to sequential as well as overlapping leave. The qualifying number of months and the child's age at each start are more important than calendar overlap.
Open the 2026 Korean parental leave planner and compare dates and benefits
What does 6+6 mean?
The scheme covers eligible months used by both parents for the same child when leave commencement and child-age requirements are met. A sequential plan does not automatically disqualify you.
For split leave, verify the start date of each segment against the child's 18-month age limit.
What are the monthly caps?
For qualifying months 1–6, the ceilings are KRW 2.5m, 2.5m, 3m, 3.5m, 4m and 4.5m, at up to 100% of ordinary monthly wages. Month 7 onward follows the regular benefit rules.
For two eligible parents earning KRW 3m ordinary wage, three matching months each illustrate KRW 8m per parent; Work24 determines actual benefits and retroactive payments.
How does sequential use work?
A first parent could take three months starting November 2026 and a second could start February 2027. Their actual leave days need not overlap, but other eligibility conditions still apply.
Compare care coverage separately from benefit eligibility. A gap-free childcare schedule is not automatically a confirmed benefit award.
How is 6+6 different from extending leave to 18 months?
The 6+6 scheme increases benefits for qualifying early leave months. An extension to 18 months is a separate employment-rights question and may require both parents to have actually taken three months or an applicable statutory exception.
Do not treat planned future use as completed use. Verify proofs and timing before an employer extension request.
Related tools
Use the tools to verify the steps against your own files or text.
References and scope
These are independent reference links, not an endorsement, certification, sponsorship or affiliation by the cited institutions. Rules, rates and technical standards may change; verify the latest source and your actual conditions.