Fathers' Use of Parental Leave in Korea: Motives, Experiences and Problems

With the increase of working parents, childcare issues are emerging as a critical policy agenda. Though paternity/parental leave systems exist, they don't fully support childcare issues faced by working parents. There is also no substantial change in the number of men who participate in childcare. In 2010, only 2.8% of those using parental leave were men. This research explores how other countries have encouraged men's participation, and suggests policy recommendations. It also explores problems men face when using parental leave through in-depth interviews with 18 men who have used paternity leaves. Substantial concerns are low wage compensation during leave and disadvantages men might face when they resume working. These findings suggest the following recommendations: a) strengthen and reform the paternity/parental leave system; b) change corporate culture which hinders men's use of parental leave; c) consistently conduct campaigns to expand social awareness in support of men's use of paternity/ parental leave.