Median age at first marriage South Korea 1990-2022, by gender
Changing perceptions of marriage among South Koreans
In line with the trend to marry later in life, the number of marriages in South Korea has steadily declined. Although the general drop in population may also play a role here, the change in societal perception of marriage is particularly noteworthy. In one survey, about 44 percent of married South Koreans considered marriage an option rather than a necessity.Concernw about raising children after marriage is one of the most common reasons singles do not want to get married. High wedding costs and worries about one's career equally influence the steadily rising age at marriage.