💌 Korean Wedding Traditions

💍 What Makes Korean Weddings Unique?

Traditional Korean weddings are a beautiful blend of modern customs and centuries-old rituals. From bowing ceremonies to colorful attire, a Korean wedding is more than just a celebration — it’s a symbolic union of two families. 🎊

🧧 Traditional vs. Modern Weddings in Korea

While many young couples now opt for Western-style weddings, traditional elements are often still included, especially in family ceremonies or photo shoots.

Wedding Type	특징 (Features)
Modern Wedding	Held in wedding halls, white dress & tuxedo, buffet meal
Traditional Wedding (혼례식)	Hanbok attire, bowing rituals, tea ceremony

👘 Hanbok & Wedding Attire

In a traditional wedding, the couple wears:

Korean Term	Pronunciation	English Meaning
신랑	sin-nang	Groom
신부	sin-bu	Bride
혼례복	hon-rye-bok	Traditional wedding hanbok
족두리	jok-du-ri	Traditional bridal crown

🙇 The Paebaek Ceremony (폐백)

After the main ceremony, many couples participate in 폐백 (paebaek), a ritual to honor the groom’s family.

In Paebaek:

The couple bows deeply to parents and in-laws
Parents offer blessings and give advice
The bride tosses dates & chestnuts (symbolizing children)
Families drink together as a symbol of union

🎁 Wedding Gifts & Money

Instead of gifts, guests usually give money in envelopes.

Korean Expression	Pronunciation	English Meaning
축의금	chuk-ui-geum	Wedding gift money
봉투	bong-tu	Envelope
결혼 축하해요!	gyeol-hon chuk-ha-hae-yo!	Congratulations on your wedding!

💡 Tip: At the entrance of the wedding hall, there are reception tables to hand over envelopes and sign your name.

🏮 Wedding Venues in Korea

Most modern weddings happen in “wedding halls” — one-stop venues offering ceremony, meal, and photo sessions.

⛪ Some choose churches or outdoor spaces
🏯 Traditional Korean houses (hanok) are used for themed weddings
📷 Pre-wedding photoshoots are a BIG deal in Korea — often done months before the ceremony

👩‍🏫 Learn Korean Through Culture

Want to speak Korean and understand local traditions like weddings?
In our class, we not only learn words — we explore Korean life and culture together!

👉 Book a class with me on italki:
https://www.italki.com/ko/teacher/7916559