More South Korean men took paternity leave over the past decade, but the number still pales in comparison to women on maternity leave, data showed Tuesday.

According to data compiled by Statistics Korea, the number of male employees taking paternity leave was 4,874 in 2015, up from 208 in 2005.

In comparison, the number of female workers who took time off to care for their children stood at 82,498 in 2015, up from 10,492 in 2005.

The statistics office said reasons why women quit their jobs in 2016 included marriage, pregnancy and childbirth.

South Korea’s female labor participation is among the lowest in the world, as many women with children quit their jobs. (Yonhap)