A large body of research has addressed women’s fertility with some among them focusing on East Asia. Relatively few studies concentrate on men’s fertility worldwide and almost none on South Korea. This study addresses the knowledge gap by exploring how men’s socio-economic status is associated with their transition to first child in South Korea. Data used for the analysis come from Korean Labor Income Panel Study. By applying logistic regression, I examine men’s entry into fatherhood by age 29 and 34.

The study shows that men with post-secondary education are less likely to become a father by age 29 but more likely to become a father at higher ages than men with secondary education. Having only primary education generally lowers the odds of entry into fatherhood. Men’s employment engagement increases their odds of becoming a father by age 29 and by age 34 respectively, but there is more variation by workplace among younger men.

The results suggest that higher socio-economic status, measured in educational level and employment status enhances fatherhood entry in South Korea.