The modern form of the Korean wedding has gone through some evolution and changes over time, at the same time as other changes in Korean society and in general the country itself. However, the Korean wedding customs and the preferences in style in general can be considered an essential element of the heritage of the Korean culture. It emphasizes the value of the family and unity. The modern Korean wedding already took some part with a new look, which can be seen in modern Western culture and lifestyle. Mainly because of the social media influence and power that these platforms have.
But let’s look firstly at the traditional marriages between Koreans, which followed Confucian values and reflected the common practices. In the traditional way, the wedding was not just the union and relationship between the partners, but it was also a get-together and closeness between the two families. One of the most common traditional practices is paebaek (폐백), which happens right after the wedding. During this ceremony, the couple wears the traditional hanbok to show respect to the groom’s parents. Dried jujube fruits and chestnuts are thrown to the couple, symbolizing fertility and hopes for a growing family. On the other hand, Korean weddings are nowadays mostly happening in wedding halls, a cultural uniqueness of Korean wedding culture. These are highly organized wedding ceremonies with wedding coordinators, photographers, and the time schedules are pretty tight. So many wedding ceremonies are happening in one day, which means that there is not much time to celebrate with guests closely, as I can compare to European weddings. The common standard wedding dresses and tuxedos of Western design, and wedding vows, are compulsory, but the traditional wedding ceremony either takes a significantly reduced form or is reserved for family.
Another part of Korean wedding traditions is money. In this culture, guests are usually expected to give money in envelopes instead of the usual physical gifts for the couple. The money is usually given in chuk-ui-geum (축의금) form. The amount is usually based on the relationship with the couple, and individuals or guests are expected to give their names so that the couple can identify them and be aware of who gave what. The money usually goes to help the couple pay for the expenses of the wedding, most notably the venue and the banquet. In this culture, the wedding is usually treated even as a financial event.
Globalization or the influence of social media also put hands into the current form that weddings have taken. For example, the influence of Western culture, the media, or even the rise of hayllu, or Korean pop culture, has promoted the personalization of weddings. Some choose outdoor weddings, destination weddings, or even minimalism. Because of the current trend that marriages are on the really expensive side. However, the percentage of married people has decreased, especially within the youth population.
Yet, in spite of these changes, tradition has not disappeared from these important events, particularly in the choices that couples make. Including the hanbok, paebaek, and other traditional dishes to show respect for their culture. The modern Korean wedding reflects the adaptation of traditions, rather than the elimination of these traditions, to show how traditions remain closely related to the culture itself.
Written By: Sofia Sliacka
About the author: Hi everyone! I am Sofia. One of my interests is content writing, and I love learning about East Asian culture. From music and history to cuisine, customs, and everyday life, I love uncovering new perspectives on Asian culture. Writing these stories and sharing them is something I find deeply rewarding. I hope to inspire readers, offer fresh perspectives, and connect them with the richness and charm of Asia.