Multicultural Marriages in Korea Reach Post-Pandemic High
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.
Rise in Births from Multicultural Families
For the first time in 12 years, births from multicultural parents increased by more than 1,000 compared to the previous year. This marks a significant demographic shift after a long period of decline.
Factors Behind the Growth
The ministry linked the increase to a rebound in international marriage demand that had been suppressed during the pandemic. Additionally, strengthened family support policies by the government appear to have positively impacted multicultural families.
Statistical Trends
- Multicultural marriages totaled 21,450 last year, up by 1,019 (5%) from the previous year.
- The number rose steadily since 2016, peaking at 24,721 in 2019.
- The count dropped sharply to 16,177 in 2020 due to COVID-19, then declined further to 13,916 in 2021.
- Since then, the numbers have gradually recovered, exceeding 20,000 in 2023.
“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.
Overall Marriage Trends in 2024
Total marriages nationwide rose by 14.8 percent year-on-year to 222,000 in 2024, a much stronger increase than that of multicultural marriages.
Author's summary: Multicultural marriages and births in Korea rebounded post-pandemic due to renewed international demand and enhanced government support, reversing years of decline.