The marriage culture of Korea has undergone significant changes as time has passed and society has evolved. In the past, arranged marriages were predominant, but in recent times, love marriages have become more common. Furthermore, the format and content of wedding ceremonies have evolved from traditional methods to Western or mixed styles. This article will explore the history, characteristics, and current state of Korean marriage culture.
1. Traditional Korean Marriage Culture
Traditional Korean marriage culture was centered around Confucian values. A marriage was not just a union between two individuals but also a union between two families, often serving as a means to elevate social status and honor for both families. As such, wedding preparations and procedures were intricate and detailed.
1.1. Arranged Marriages
In traditional society, it was uncommon for men and women to meet freely and date before marriage. Instead, marriages were often arranged through matchmakers. These matchmakers could be relatives or friends of both families or professionals. They took into account various factors like social status, personality, appearance, education, and wealth when introducing potential spouses.
The first step in an arranged marriage was known as a marriage proposal. The groom's side would send a proposal letter, and once the bride's side responded affirmatively, they would move onto the next step, setting the wedding date. The groom's date, month, year, and time (based on the lunar calendar) were written on paper, wrapped around a bamboo branch, and tied with red and blue threads. This package was then wrapped in red and blue cloth and sent to the bride's family. The groom's birth details were then sent to a fortune teller to select an auspicious date for the wedding, which was then relayed back to the groom.
The final step before the wedding was called the dowry exchange, where the groom's side sent a box called a dowry box. This box contained three items: a marriage document, a set of red and blue fabrics for making clothes, and various gifts for the bride's family, which could include household items, jewelry, and clothing.
1.2. Wedding Ceremony
In ancient times, wedding ceremonies were held in the bride's courtyard or home. The groom would ride a horse to the bride's house and, after the ceremony, take his wife home on a palanquin. Both the groom and bride would dress in formal court attire, which ordinary people could only wear on their wedding day.
The ceremony primarily consisted of rituals where the groom and bride paid their respects to each other. This ritual involved exchanging bows, arrows, wine, and cups. These exchanges symbolized the couple's commitment and loyalty to each other. The wedding was attended by parents, relatives, and friends who offered their blessings and congratulations.
Various items used in the ceremony had symbolic meanings. For example, wedding geese symbolized a long and happy marriage since it was believed that geese mate for life. Cranes, symbols of longevity, were often depicted on the bride's belt. Wooden ducks, called wedding ducks, were commonly used in traditional ceremonies as they symbolized peace, fidelity, and prosperity.
1.3. Attire
Traditional Korean attire is called Hanbok. It consists of a jacket and a skirt or trousers and an overcoat.
For women, the outfit includes a short jacket with long sleeves called a jeogori, tied with long ribbons to form a knot. They wear a long skirt that reaches the waist. Shoes made of silk in the shape of a boat are worn over white cotton socks. The bride's attire might also include a white belt adorned with symbols or flowers. They could also wear a headpiece or crown. Decorative pendants called norigae have been worn by Korean women of all classes for centuries and are tied to the ribbons of the skirt or jacket. The knot at the top of these pendants is called a maedeup.
Pants are tied at the waist with a string. Outerwear refers to thick clothes worn in winter or outer garments. The groom traditionally wears a jacket in either white or blue with pants and dons a hat called "gat." The groom might also carry a sword known as "dorigae," which symbolized his status and authority.
2. Modern Marriage Culture in Korea
Modern Korean wedding culture significantly differs from traditional customs. Nowadays, most Koreans marry for love and host weddings in Western or blended styles. Additionally, aspects such as the wedding's location, scale, budget, and attire have diversified.
2.1. Love Marriages
In modern society, men and women freely engage in relationships and decide to marry based on love. This is referred to as a "love marriage." Couples get to know each other's personalities, preferences, values, and grow fondness, developing their love.
The initial phase of a love marriage is the "meeting" stage, where the two individuals get acquainted. This can occur through various means like mutual friends, colleagues, school, or online platforms. Following this, they enter the "dating" phase, where they engage in activities like watching movies, dining, or traveling together.
After dating for a significant period, they might decide to get engaged. This is when they promise to marry each other and exchange rings. Post-engagement, the couple starts preparing for the wedding, deciding on the venue, budget, attire, invitations, and other related matters.
2.2. Wedding Ceremony
In modern times, Western or blended-style weddings have become more common than traditional ceremonies. Western weddings are typically held in churches or wedding halls, with the bride in a wedding dress and the groom in a tuxedo. They are often escorted by the bride's father, exchange rings under the officiant's blessings, and engage in various celebratory activities such as singing, dancing, or speeches.
Blended weddings combine both Western and traditional ceremonies. They usually start with a Western ceremony, followed by a traditional ritual, which is held in a smaller room or separate space. Here, the bride and groom wear traditional Korean outfits called "hanbok" and perform rituals expressing their respect for each other and for their families.
Wedding venues and scales vary based on the couple's preferences and budget. Some opt for grand celebrations in formal venues like hotels or wedding halls, while others prefer intimate ceremonies in informal settings like cafes or restaurants. Some even choose to wed overseas.
2.3. Attire
Modern wedding attire varies depending on whether the ceremony is Western or blended. In Western ceremonies, brides wear wedding dresses and grooms wear tuxedos. Wedding dresses commonly come in white or ivory, with various designs featuring long sleeves, straps, lace, or beads. Tuxedos are usually black or navy blue and are complemented by shirts, ties, and vests.
In blended ceremonies that include a traditional ritual, the couple dons hanbok. Hanbok consists of a jacket and a skirt or pants, and its colors and decorations hold traditional significance. For instance, the bride's jacket symbolizes love and happiness in colors like red or pink, while the groom's jacket, in blue or green, represents purity and peace.
3. Conclusion
Korean wedding culture has evolved over time with societal changes. While arranged marriages were dominant in the past, love marriages are now the norm. The format and content of weddings have also transitioned from traditional methods to more Western or blended styles. These changes reflect the diverse and individualistic values and lifestyles of modern Koreans.