What to know first
The amounts and eligibility below are as of 2025. Programs change every year, and local governments also offer their own birth grants. Before applying, always check the current rules on Bokjiro, Government24, and Employment24 (for parental leave).
Most cash benefits must be applied for within a set period after birth to be paid retroactively from the birth month. Applying all at once when you register the birth is the surest way.
During pregnancy: medical voucher and public health center support
The pregnancy and birth medical expense voucher is issued on the National Happiness Card once pregnancy is confirmed and can be used for obstetric care and birth-related costs. You get a pregnancy confirmation from the clinic and apply through the card company or the National Health Insurance Service. Multiple pregnancies receive more support.
Registering your pregnancy at a public health center may give you support such as folic acid and iron supplements or prenatal tests, depending on the area. Details vary by center, so ask your local public health center.
Right after birth: the one-stop birth service
Korea's one-stop birth service (Happy Birth One-Stop Service) lets you apply for several birth benefits at once when you register the birth. You can apply while registering at a community service center or along with online birth registration on Government24. It covers the First Meeting Voucher, Parent Benefit, Child Allowance, and more, and local birth grants are sometimes bundled in.
- First Meeting Voucher: a voucher given as National Happiness Card points for each newborn. As of 2025, it is 2 million won for a first child and 3 million won for a second or later child, and must be used within a set period.
- Parent Benefit: monthly cash for families raising children aged 0 to 1. As of 2025, it is 1 million won a month at age 0 and 500,000 won a month at age 1. If the child attends daycare, you receive the difference after the childcare fee voucher.
- Child Allowance: as of 2025, 100,000 won a month for children under 8.
- It is best to apply within 60 days of birth. If you are late, some months may not be paid retroactively.
Working parents: birth leave and parental leave
A mother who gives birth can take maternity leave, and her spouse can take spouse maternity (paternity) leave. Paternity leave was extended to 20 paid days from February 2025 and can be split (as of 2025). There is an application deadline, so tell your employer early.
As of 2025, parental leave is available to parents of children aged 8 or under or in second grade or below, with one year for each parent as the base. The period is extended if conditions are met, such as both parents taking leave for a certain length. Parental leave pay comes from employment insurance and is applied for on Employment24. Pay caps and tiers are revised often, so check amounts on Employment24.
There is also reduced working hours during childcare, which lets you work shorter hours instead of taking leave.
Care support: Childcare Service and childcare fees
Korea's Childcare Service (Idolbom) sends a government-trained caregiver to your home. Families with children aged 12 or under can use it, and the government covers part of the fee depending on income. You apply after getting a government support assessment on Bokjiro or the Childcare Service website. There may be a waitlist in some areas.
Daycare fees and kindergarten tuition are supported through the National Happiness Card. Children who do not attend daycare or kindergarten receive a home care allowance, which for ages 0 to 1 has been replaced by the Parent Benefit. See the Daycare, Kindergarten, and Childcare page for a detailed comparison.
Where to check and apply
- Bokjiro: Parent Benefit, Child Allowance, First Meeting Voucher, childcare fees, Childcare Service support, and a benefits simulator
- Government24: online birth registration and the one-stop birth service
- Employment24: maternity leave pay, paternity leave pay, parental leave pay
- Community service center: in-person applications, questions about local birth grants
- Public health center: pregnancy registration, prenatal and postpartum health support, child health programs
FAQ
Can I receive both the Parent Benefit and the Child Allowance?
As of 2025, yes. The Parent Benefit covers ages 0 to 1 and the Child Allowance covers children under 8; they are separate programs. Check Bokjiro for current rules.
If I register the birth late, do I lose benefits?
Each program requires applying within a set period after birth (usually 60 days) to be paid from the birth month. After that, payment starts from the month you apply, so you may miss some. Applying through the one-stop birth service when registering the birth is safest.
What happens to the Parent Benefit if my child goes to daycare?
As of 2025, if your child uses daycare, the portion equal to the childcare fee voucher goes to the daycare, and any remaining difference is paid to you in cash. Check exact amounts with the Bokjiro simulator.
How much is parental leave pay?
Parental leave pay depends on your ordinary wage and how long you take leave, has a cap, and has been revised several times recently. Check the simulator and notices on Employment24 for exact amounts.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (Korea)
- Bokjiro
- Government24
- Ministry of Employment and Labor Employment24
- National Health Insurance Service (Korea)
- Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Childcare Service
Medical information is for reference only. This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your child's doctor. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.
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