Multicultural Marriages in Korea Reach Post-Pandemic Peak
The number of multicultural marriages in Korea last year climbed to its highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics.
Increase in Multicultural Marriages and Births
Multicultural marriages in Korea totaled 21,450 last year, an increase of 1,019 marriages or 5% compared to the previous year. This number has been gradually rising since 2016.
Births among multicultural parents also grew by over 1,000 from the previous year, marking the first rise in 12 years.
Trends and Impact of the Pandemic
- In 2019, multicultural marriages reached 24,721 before dropping sharply to 16,177 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- The figure declined further to 13,916 in 2021 but has rebounded since, exceeding 20,000 in 2023.
“The increase likely stems from a resurgence in international marriage demand that had been suppressed during the pandemic, coupled with greater stability in the residency status of foreign workers in Korea,” a ministry official said.
Broader Marriage Trends in 2024
Total marriages nationwide rose significantly by 14.8% year-on-year to 222,000 in 2024, a sharper increase than in multicultural marriages.
Summary
The post-pandemic recovery in multicultural marriages and births reflects growing international union demand and improved support for multicultural families in Korea.
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