In September, there will be significant changes to parental leave policies and public transportation benefits.
According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, starting September 18, male employees will be allowed to take parental leave during their spouse's pregnancy. Previously, men could only take parental leave after the birth of their child. Now, if their pregnant spouse faces health risks such as miscarriage or premature birth, they can take leave before the child is born. To do so, they must apply for parental leave at least seven days before the intended start date.
The period for spousal maternity leave will also be expanded starting on the same date. Currently, male employees can only take this leave after their spouse gives birth, but beginning September 18, they will be able to take leave from 50 days before the expected delivery date up to 120 days after the birth. Employees must submit documentation detailing their spouse's expected delivery date and the intended leave period to their employer to access 20 days of spousal maternity leave.
A new leave policy will also be introduced for male employees whose spouses experience a miscarriage or stillbirth. Starting September 18, these employees will be entitled to five days of leave, with the first three days being paid. For employees of priority support companies, the paid leave will be compensated at 100% of their regular wage, with a maximum daily limit of 84,210 won and a total cap of 252,630 won for the three days.
Public transportation users will also notice changes. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, starting September 1, Seoul's 'Climate Companion Card' will be linked to the Everyone's Card service. This means that users of the Climate Companion Card will be able to access services associated with the Everyone's Card refund system.
The age range for youth discounts in Seoul will also be expanded. The eligibility will now include individuals aged 19 to 39, broadening the previous criteria.
However, the temporarily expanded public transportation benefits will conclude at the end of September. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has been operating the 'Half-Price Everyone's Card' from April to September to alleviate transportation costs amid rising fuel prices.
The Everyone's Card is a fixed-rate public transportation cost support program that refunds users for amounts exceeding a certain threshold. During this period, the refund threshold has been reduced by 50%. For general users in the metropolitan area, the refund threshold is set at 30,000 won for the standard card and 50,000 won for the plus card. For youth, families with two children, and seniors, the thresholds are 25,000 won for the standard card and 45,000 won for the plus card.
Additional benefits for those using public transportation during peak commuting hours will also be available until September. Users traveling during staggered hours—between 9-10 a.m., 4-5 p.m., and 7-8 p.m.—will receive a refund rate that is 30 percentage points higher than the standard rate. This temporary benefit will also end with the September usage.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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