When it comes to maternity leave, the experience of becoming a parent looks vastly different around the world. Some countries give new mothers over a year of paid time to bond with their newborns, while others expect parents to return to work within weeks — sometimes with no paid leave at all.
According to a recent global study by UK-based HR firm Moorepay, featured in Condé Nast Traveler's report on countries with the best maternity leave, South Korea ranks among the top nations in the world for maternity benefits.
🌏 A Global Comparison of Maternity Leave
The Moorepay study analyzed maternity leave and pay across nearly 200 countries, adjusting each figure for local purchasing power to reveal what those benefits are truly worth. The results highlight a stark divide — between Europe's generous safety nets, Asia's evolving middle ground, and nations like the United States and South Africa, where no guaranteed paid leave is provided.
Leading examples include:
Romania: two full years of statutory maternity leave
South Korea: 90.9 weeks (nearly 21 months)
Poland: 61 weeks
Bulgaria: 58.6 weeks
Sweden: 55.7 weeks
💰 South Korea's Generous Maternity Pay
Beyond time off, South Korea also ranks among the top countries for highest maternity pay, taking the third spot globally:
Rank — Country — Maternity Pay (USD)
1 — Norway — 73,955
2 — Romania — 49,777
3 — South Korea — 48,796
4 — Finland — 46,952
5 — Sweden — 46,952
South Korea's maternity system ensures that new mothers are not only supported through time but also financially — a reflection of the country's ongoing efforts to improve work-life balance and family welfare.
👩🍼 Why It Matters
In a society where birth rates are among the lowest in the world, South Korea's maternity policies are designed to encourage a more sustainable family environment. The support extends beyond leave — including childcare subsidies, re-employment programs for mothers, and paternity leave options for fathers.
This focus on parental well-being reflects a growing awareness: that supporting families means investing in the country's future workforce and social stability.
✈️ A Lesson in Work-Life Balance
While nations like Romania and Norway lead in duration or pay, South Korea's system stands out for combining financial support, job security, and progressive gender policies within a fast-paced Asian economy.
It's a reminder that modern progress isn't just measured by technology or GDP — but by how a country supports its people in life's most human moments.
Read more from the original source:
Condé Nast Traveler — "Countries With the Best Maternity Leave"
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