When parents separate, one of the biggest questions that often comes up is this: Who pays child support, and how much should it be?
In Korea, child support is a central issue in many divorce cases.
The law is clear on one important principle: even if the parents go their separate ways, the child should not lose the stability or care they had before the divorce.
Simply put, the goal is to make sure children can grow up in an environment that feels as close as possible to what they would have had if their parents stayed together.
To make this process more predictable and fair, the Seoul Family Court created something called the Child Support Guidelines.
The most recent version available is from 2021, and although the charts look simple at first, they can feel overwhelming if you’re not used to legal terms or calculations.
So, let’s break it down in plain language.
How the Court Calculates Child Support
Think of the calculation as a four-step process.
- Finding the “standard child support”
The court looks at two things: the child’s age and the combined income of both parents. The guidelines include a chart where one side shows age groups and the other side shows income levels. Where the two numbers meet, you’ll find the basic child support amount for that child. - Adjusting for special circumstances
Once the basic amount is found, the court considers extra factors: Does the child need expensive medical treatment? Do they have special education costs? Are the parents living in a more expensive city? These factors can increase or sometimes reduce the total. - Splitting the responsibility between parents
The total child support is not paid by just one parent. Instead, each parent’s share is based on their income ratio. For example, if one parent earns one-third of the household income, and the other earns two-thirds, then the second parent will usually be responsible for about two-thirds of the child support. - Final payment amount by the non-custodial parent
After all of this, the court sets the exact amount the parent who is not living with the child must pay each month.
What If a Parent Has No Income?
This is a common question.
What happens if a parent has no job or no current earnings?
The general rule is that a parent should still be expected to contribute something.
The court may assume that the parent is capable of earning income, based on their age, education, or work history.
However, if there is a genuine reason—like a serious disability or illness—then the court might reduce or even waive the payment.
If a parent has only temporarily stopped working (for example, because of childcare duties or a career break), the court may set a lower amount, such as half of the minimum support.
The key idea is balance: ensuring the child’s needs are met without ignoring the real limits of each parent’s situation.
Child support is not just about numbers on a page—it reflects a simple but important value: children should not suffer because of their parents’ divorce.
Divorce is challenging for parents, but for children, it can be especially difficult.
That’s why the law makes sure that both parents remain responsible for giving their children the support and care they deserve.
If you’re a parent going through divorce in Korea, understanding these guidelines can give you clarity.
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