Government Names 10 Companies for Failing to Establish Workplace Childcare Facilities

South Korea's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Employment and Labor have publicly disclosed the names of 10 companies that have not fulfilled their legal obligation to establish workplace childcare centers. This disclosure aims to increase accountability and encourage compliance with regulations designed to support working parents.

The latest figures show that 94.9% of businesses subject to the requirement complied in the past year, a 1.0 percentage point increase from the previous year. The obligation applies to businesses employing 300 or more women or 500 or more total employees. These companies must either operate their own childcare facilities or arrange for at least 30% of their employees' children to receive care at external centers.

Out of 1,674 businesses identified as having installation obligations for 2025, 1,103 have set up their own facilities, and 485 have opted for outsourced childcare. This brings the total compliance rate to 94.9%. Eighty-six businesses did not meet their obligations. Of these, 76 were excluded from the public list due to reasons such as being within their first year of obligation, currently in the process of establishing a facility, or having no demand for childcare services.

The 10 companies named are SSG.com, Daejeon Korea Hospital, Saesol Diamond Industrial, ID Hospital, SAP Korea, Medical Corporation Moon Byung-wook Medical Foundation Jinju Goryeo Hospital, Foundation Seoul Medical Research Institute Hanaro Leader's Clinic, BH Factory 2, DAS, and MTS Corporation. These companies, along with the other 76 non-compliant businesses, will be notified to their local governments for further action, including administrative orders and potential fines.

Failure to comply with subsequent administrative orders can result in administrative fines of up to 100 million won, imposed twice annually. The government's move underscores its commitment to ensuring that businesses provide adequate support for their employees' childcare needs, recognizing the importance of work-life balance for the labor force.