Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Fewer women take career breaks as paternity leave rates rise, policies provide support

The number of women who took career breaks — often due to childbirth or child care — fell by nearly 10 percent over the past year, a decline attributed in part to the rise in paternity leave and expanded public policies.

2025-12-28

For working parents, finding day care spots a frustratingly long, grueling experience

For many parents, registering and queuing for months to enroll infants in day care is a nail-biting, draining ritual in Korea, which has become an anxious race that begins almost at birth.

2025-10-22

'Child care inflation' burdens parents as Korea struggles with low birthrate

Korea is grappling with what some call “child care inflation,” as the cost of raising children is rising even while the birthrate plunges. Instead of prices easing with falling demand, the market is shifting the financial burden onto parents.

2025-08-20

Seoul has a birthrate crisis. Are more playgrounds the answer?

Seoul's government-run kids cafes provide affordable indoor play spaces, aiming to alleviate low birthrates by offering parents a fun environment for their children.

2025-05-09

Seoul to accept applications for Filipino nannies amid caregiver shortage

As a pilot project to address the shortage of caregivers and the high cost of child care, 100 Filipino domestic workers will begin working in Seoul from early September through late February.

2024-07-16

Government considers expanding child care leave to grandparents

The government is considering measures allowing grandparents to take child care leave under certain conditions, following the increase in grandparents participating in child-rearing.

2024-03-15

BOK report on paying foreign helpers below minimum wage sparks outcry

The central bank released a report recommending that domestic laborers from abroad be brought over but paid below the standard minimum wage, sparking backlash.

2024-03-07

Korean couples fear the costs of child care — but most still plan to have kids

A new survey revealed that Korea's married couples expect child rearing to cost an average of 1.4 million won per month, with higher-income households and homeowners anticipating higher expenses.

2024-03-04

Seoul banks on remote work, new apartments to raise birthrate

Companies in Seoul will be incentivized to adopt remote working policies and offer benefits for parents. City-run apartment buildings with child care facilities will also appear in the capital by 2028.

2024-02-06

Yoon pledges to expand after-school care program this year

President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted the state's role in public child care on Monday, promising that more after-school care will become available in elementary schools nationwide this year.

2024-02-05