Multicultural Marriages Reach Highest Level Since Pre-Pandemic in Korea
The number of multicultural marriages in Korea last year rose to its highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. Births from multicultural parents also increased by over 1,000 compared to the previous year, marking the first rise in 12 years.
Trends and Figures in Multicultural Marriages and Births
- Multicultural marriages reached 21,450 last year, up 1,019 or 5% from the previous year.
- The number of such marriages had been increasing steadily since 2016, peaking at 24,721 in 2019.
- After a sharp decline to 16,177 in 2020 due to COVID-19, the number dropped further to 13,916 in 2021.
- Since then, the figures have gradually recovered, surpassing 20,000 in 2023.
- Nationwide marriages grew 14.8% year-on-year to 222,000 in 2024, showing stronger growth than multicultural marriages.
Causes Behind the Increase
“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.”
The ministry attributed the rise to a recovery in international marriage demand and the government’s enhanced family support policies, which have benefited multicultural families.
Summary
The post-pandemic rebound and improved government support have driven a rise in multicultural marriages and births in Korea, signaling a positive shift after years of decline.