Multicultural Marriages Reach Post-Pandemic Peak in Korea
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 Births
The births from multicultural couples also increased by more than 1,000 compared to the previous year, marking the first rise in 12 years.
Factors Behind the Growth
The growth is attributed to a renewed demand for international marriages, which had declined during the pandemic, along with strengthened government family support programs benefiting multicultural families.
Statistical Overview
- Multicultural marriages totaled 21,450 last year, a 5% increase (1,019 more) from the previous year.
- The number had been steadily increasing since 2016, peaking at 24,721 in 2019 before sharply dropping due to the pandemic.
- Marriages fell to 16,177 in 2020 and further to 13,916 in 2021, then gradually recovered, exceeding 20,000 in 2023.
- Total marriages nationwide rose 14.8% year-on-year to 222,000 in 2024, a rise steeper than that of multicultural marriages.
“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.
Summary: Multicultural marriages and births in Korea have rebounded post-pandemic, reflecting renewed international unions supported by improved residency stability and government policies.