Marriage in South Korea
Marriage to a foreign national is a common legal immigration path, and South Korea has become a popular destination for this purpose. This article, crafted by Malekpour Institute in collaboration with top South Korean lawyers, provides detailed information on marriage laws, conditions, and customs in South Korea. For further assistance and free consultations, contact Malekpour Institute.
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Conditions for Marriage in South Korea
In the end, in 2013, the South Korean government enacted a law stating that individuals wishing to marry in South Korea must pass the Korean language test; it is worth mentioning that this language test will not be at a high level and even beginners will be accepted.
Another condition for marriage in South Korea is the financial ability of the spouse in South Korea and being at least 18 years old. The document required for marriage in South Korea is called TOPIK, and an applicant can obtain this document under the following conditions:
- Taking the exam at a South Korean university
- Taking the exam at the embassy
- Taking the exam at an institution approved by the embassy abroad in South Korea
To marry in South Korea, applicants must meet requirements such as health status, work conditions, and having a business. False statements or forgery can result in visa rejection and legal consequences. After meeting all conditions, applicants will receive an F2-1 visa valid for six months, requiring a guarantor residing in South Korea. The guarantee is valid for 5 years and set annually by the government. The following individuals will be exempt from needing a guarantor for marriage in South Korea:
- A foreigner who has previously married a South Korean citizen and is now applying to enter the country.
- The foreigner has entered South Korea legally and has applied to marry in South Korea.
- The foreigner is approved by the South Korean government and authorities.
One of the important conditions for obtaining a visa through marriage in South Korea is that the person must introduce a residence location to the immigration office and the police department in South Korea. If this location seems insufficient for the number of applicants or is deemed insincere, the likelihood of rejection is very high.
Steps for Marriage in South Korea
Marriage in South Korea, like many other societies, is divided into several main stages. These stages may differ in individuality and cultural practices in Korea but generally include the following:
- Dating
This stage involves getting to know and forming a relationship between two people. This acquaintance may occur through mutual friends, the work environment, school, or through online programs and daily applications. - Emotional Relationships
At this stage, two people begin to develop a deeper emotional connection. They may talk about their dreams of marriage and a shared future, and when they feel confident that they can live together as a couple, they decide to marry. - Decision Making
After forming an emotional bond, the couple must decide whether they want to get married or not. This decision can be influenced by various factors such as financial situation, family and cultural influences, and personal preferences. - wedding ceremony
The wedding ceremony in South Korea is recognized as one of the most important life events. This ceremony may include a traditional Korean ceremony called “Pyeobaek” along with a modern wedding ceremony that includes a contract signing, religious rituals, receptions, and wedding celebrations. - Cohabitation
After the wedding ceremony, the couple begins their life together and strives to live together, facing the challenges and joys of shared life.
Culture of Marriage in South Korea
Today, for various economic and geographical reasons, South Korea has become a country of interest, and marriage in South Korea is a topic that currently attracts many immigration applicants wishing to move to South Korea. It has been attempted in this article to provide a comprehensive explanation of marriage in South Korea, including the conditions, laws of marriage in South Korea, and the customs and traditions of marriage in South Korea.
In South Korea, a key marriage custom is wearing traditional clothing. The legal marriage age is 18, with parental consent required for those under 18. This restriction is lifted at age 20. Laws on marriage and residency in South Korea changed in 1997-1998, impacting immigration through marriage. In 2001, individuals from 80 countries married in South Korea, increasing to nearly 146 countries by 2015, particularly from China, Vietnam, and Japan.
Wedding Ceremony Customs in South Korea
A Korean wedding is a colorful yet traditional ceremony. Though in recent decades, Western conventions have influenced Korean weddings, several elements of ancient Korean traditions still remain in most ceremonies. In a Korean wedding, you can expect to see symbolic rituals, gift-giving, bowing, and making vows. Below we will point out some of the customs of wedding ceremonies in South Korea.
- Hanbok
The bride is likely to wear a hanbok or traditional formal Korean dress, historically made of silk, while the groom may wear a hanbok or a suit. The bride wears a pink or purple hanbok, while the groom’s mother wears a blue hanbok. Family members of the bride may also wear hanbok, but they might opt for more modern attire instead of traditional clothing.
- Cash gifts
Cash gifts in white envelopes are the most common gifts at Korean weddings. Traditionally, during the paebaek, the bride and groom receive blessing words and monetary gifts from their parents. The use of silk bags is also very prevalent. Guests can place their gift-containing white envelopes into these bags. Before the wedding day, the bride’s family also brings monetary gifts from the groom’s family.
- Mass parade
Traditional Korean music will be played. Historically, the groom would parade to the bride’s house on horseback, but now a host enters and begins explaining the wedding ceremony, guiding the attendees through the sequence of events. Both mothers first come in, each carrying their candles. The bride’s mother carries a red candle, while the groom’s mother carries a blue candle. When the host finishes the ceremony, they light a single candle, symbolizing the beginning of the traditional Korean wedding.
- Copper Bowl
The host then begins to explain the contents on the table, which includes a wooden mandarin duck (won-ang seteu), pine, bamboo, dates, chestnuts, persimmons, red beans, a pumpkin cup, and a copper bowl. The copper bowl is for washing the hands of the bride and groom, symbolizing their purity for each other. The pine tree and bamboo represent lifelong fidelity, while dates and chestnuts symbolize fertility and the number of children the couple is expected to have.
- Goose Offering
During the ceremony, a kireogi or a wild goose is given to the groom. It was expected that the groom would bow twice before presenting the kireogi to his future mother-in-law. In modern Korean weddings, instead of the traditional kireogi, a wooden goose may be given. This Korean tradition is symbolic of harmony and respect. Wild geese mate for life, so by giving a goose to his future mother-in-law, the groom promises a life filled with love and care.
- Bride and Groom Bow
Historically, a Korean wedding was an arranged marriage where the bride and groom would see each other for the first time. Initially, the bride and groom, each accompanied by two attendants to assist with the ceremony, would walk to the marriage table, and the servants would lay a rug for the bride and another for the groom. The attendants wash the hands of the bride and groom to symbolize their purification for the ceremony. The bride and groom bow to each other – the bride bows twice to the groom, the groom bows once to the bride, the bride bows two more times, and then the groom bows once more. They then kneel and face each other.
- Hapgonri
This is when the bride and groom drink from a copper cup. Alternatively, the bride and groom may drink from two separate halves of a gourd connected by a string, or a combination of both. The separated halves of the gourd symbolize that the bride and groom become one complete entity. In one tradition, the first sip from the copper cup represents the couple’s relationship with each other. The second sip is taken from the gourds, which are exchanged between the bride and groom after the second sip to symbolize mutual agreement. Finally, the groom and bride bow together to honor their parents, ancestors, and wedding guests.
- Paebaek
Paebaek is a key moment in traditional Korean weddings, emphasizing family importance. Both sets of parents sit behind a low table with wedding dishes, traditionally consisting of chestnuts, dates, steamed beef, and Anju. Today, families often use plastic foods for photos. During the ceremony, the couple bows, pours tea, and receives blessings and gifts from parents. They then catch dates and chestnuts in a cloth, with the number of each symbolizing the number of children and their gender. Photos are taken to capture the moment.
Required Documents for Marriage
Providing and gathering the required documents for marriage is of great importance. Your first step for marriage in South Korea is obtaining an F-2-1 visa, which is initially valid for 6 months and can be extended upon marriage registration. The required documents for marriage are as follows:
- Proof of citizenship in your country (such as passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- Photocopy of identification documents (such as passport, driver’s license, Korean ARC, etc.)
- Notary fees
- Proof that both parties are single
- Parental consent (if both parties are under 18 years old)
- Provide Korean spouse’s identity documents
- Provide a certificate of proficiency in Korean at least 2
- Provide a certificate of financial means
All of the above documents must be translated into Korean and provided.
Types of Residency through Marriage in South Korea
In South Korea, residency through marriage to a Korean citizen can be temporary or permanent and is divided into two main categories:
-
Temporary Marriage Visa (F-2-1):
This type of visa is designated for those who have married a Korean citizen and wish to live in South Korea. The temporary marriage visa is usually issued for two years and can be extended afterward. Individuals holding this visa can work and receive the same rights and benefits as a Korean citizen.
-
Permanent Marriage Visa (F-6):
This type of visa is issued to those who have married a Korean citizen but wish to transition from temporary to permanent residency for various reasons. The permanent marriage visa is generally issued indefinitely, allowing holders to live in South Korea without limitations and access all rights and benefits of a Korean citizen.
Conditions for Obtaining South Korean Citizenship through Marriage
In South Korea, the conditions for obtaining citizenship through marriage to a Korean citizen may vary and depend on the immigration and citizenship regulations in the country. These conditions may change with modifications in related laws and regulations, so it is essential for those wishing to acquire South Korean citizenship through marriage to carefully review the applicable laws and seek legal advice.
- Having a valid marital relationship with a Korean citizen that has been approved by immigration authorities.
- Being legally present in South Korea and holding a valid residence status, such as a marriage visa or temporary visa.
- Having experience living as a spouse of a Korean citizen, including living together for a certain period of time and providing documents that demonstrate this living together.
- Avoiding legal violations or security issues that may result in denial of naturalization.
Consequences of Sham Marriage in South Korea
Given that to obtain residency in South Korea through marriage, it must be proven that your marriage is genuine, visa officers will be very strict in reviewing this matter. Sham marriages will be dealt with severely in South Korea and can have irreparable consequences for the applicant. One of the consequences of sham marriage in South Korea is the cancellation of the applicant’s residency and deportation from South Korea. Other consequences can include imprisonment, fines, and a ban from entering South Korea.
Obtaining South Korean Passport through Marriage
Foreigners can apply for South Korean citizenship and a passport after 3 years of marriage, following all legal requirements. They must avoid committing any crimes and ensure their documents are legitimate. If authorities discover forged documents, the individual may be declared a criminal and denied citizenship, even after several years in the country. Additionally, the foreigner must stay in South Korea for 3 years without leaving to apply for citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marriage Conditions in South Korea
- Can residency be obtained in South Korea through marriage to a Korean citizen?
Yes, after marriage, you will be granted temporary residency, which will convert to citizenship after 3 years.
- Can residency in South Korea be achieved through sham marriage?
No, sham marriage is considered a crime and has legal consequences for the spouses.
- Does residency become invalid if separated from a Korean spouse?
If it is temporary residency, it becomes invalid and the individual must return to their country. However, if the person is working, studying, or investing in South Korea while present, they can obtain residency through these means.
- What are other ways to obtain residency in South Korea?
Studying at South Korean universities, work visas for South Korea, and investing in South Korea are other ways to obtain residency in this country.
Conclusion:
This article has been compiled to address questions about marriage in South Korea. If you have any questions or ambiguities regarding marriage in South Korea, you can always contact Malekpour Institute (MIE) worldwide, including the central branch in Vienna, Austria, directly and receive specialized consultation from experts and official lawyers of this institute for free via phone.
