Multicultural Marriages Reach Post-Pandemic High in Korea
The number of multicultural marriages in Korea last year reached its highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. This rise marks a significant recovery from the sharp declines seen during the pandemic years.
Marriage and Birth Trends
In total, 21,450 multicultural marriages were registered last year — an increase of 1,019 cases, or around 5 percent, compared to the previous year. While the figure once peaked at 24,721 in 2019, it dropped significantly to 16,177 in 2020 and then to 13,916 in 2021. The number has since rebounded steadily, surpassing 20,000 by 2023.
Births from multicultural parents also saw an increase of more than 1,000 compared to the previous year, marking their first rise in 12 years. Officials linked this rebound to post-pandemic normalization and stronger family support programs introduced by the government.
“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 Growth
Across the nation, total marriages rose by 14.8 percent year-on-year to 222,000 in 2024. This was a more pronounced growth rate than the one seen among multicultural unions.
Key Factors Behind the Increase
- Renewed demand for international marriages post-pandemic
- Improved residency conditions for foreign workers
- Expanded government support for multicultural families
Author’s Summary: Multicultural marriages in Korea have rebounded strongly after years of decline, signaling renewed international connections and the success of family support policies.