💐 What Foreigners Should Know Before Attending a Korean Wedding

💐 What Foreigners Should Know Before Attending a Korean Wedding If you’ve been invited to a Korean wedding, congratulations! 🎉 Weddings in Korea are joyful, elegant, and surprisingly efficient compared to many Western ceremonies. But there are a few cultural details that can be quite different — and knowing them in advance will help you blend in perfectly and show genuine respect to the couple and their families. 사진: Unsplash 의 Jeremy Wong Weddings ⏰ Arriving on Time & Greetings 사진: Unsplash 의 Evelina Friman It’s best to arrive about 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This gives you time to: Greet the bride and groom personally (they’ll usually stand in separate rooms to greet guests). Take a quick photo with them — this is a common custom and considered polite. Offer your congratulatory money (축의금, chug-ui-geum) before heading into the wedding hall. If you can’t attend in person, it’s still thoughtful to send a short message and your congratulatory gift in advance. This gesture is always appreciated, even if you can’t be there on the big day. 👔 What to Wear Korean weddings favor simple and modest attire. Guests usually dress in semi-formal or formal clothing — similar to office wear, but slightly more polished. Avoid white, as it’s traditionally reserved for the bride. Skip flashy or heavy accessories and makeup. Avoid wearing all-black, as it can remind people of funerals. Men: A dark suit and tie are perfect. Women: A dress, skirt, or tailored pants in soft, neutral tones is ideal. The key word is elegant minimalism — you want to look neat, respectful, and understated. 💌 Congratulatory Money Etiquette Instead of bringing gifts, Korean guests usually give money in a decorative envelope called a 축의금 봉투 (chug-ui-geum bongtu). Common amounts are ₩30,000 / ₩50,000 / ₩70,000 / ₩100,000, depending on how close you are to the couple. Always use new, crisp bills (never wrinkled or old ones). Write your name and relationship on the back of the envelope. After handing it to the staff at the reception desk, sign your name in the guestbook. This ritual might feel formal, but it’s a deeply ingrained sign of celebration and goodwill. 💝 🎤 During the Ceremony Korean wedding ceremonies are short and respectful — typically around 30 minutes. Keep your phone on silent or vibration mode. Avoid flash photography or moving around too much during the ceremony. Refrain from chatting loudly or commenting during speeches. The atmosphere is polite but lighthearted — applause and smiles are always welcome! Afterward, guests often move straight to the reception meal, usually held in the same venue. 📸 Photos & Seating Group photos are an important part of the ceremony. Usually, The bride’s family and female friends stand near her, The groom’s family and male friends stand near him. If you’re not sure where to stand, just follow the photographer’s directions — they’ll guide you. It’s also nice to take at least one group or solo photo as a keepsake and to show you attended. 🍽 After the Ceremony: Meals & Farewells Once the ceremony ends, head to the banquet hall or buffet for a meal. This part is casual and social — enjoy the food, chat with other guests, and take a few photos. A few polite tips: Don’t overdrink (especially if it’s your first meeting with the couple’s family). Avoid leaving right after eating — it’s better to stay a bit longer and thank the hosts before departing. If you plan any surprise performances or events, always check with the couple in advance. Attending a Korean wedding is a wonderful way to experience how tradition and modernity blend seamlessly in Korean culture. By arriving on time, dressing tastefully, and following small etiquette points, you’ll show great respect and make a wonderful impression. So bring your smile, your congratulations — and your crisp bills — and enjoy one of Korea’s most heartwarming celebrations! 💍✨ #KoreanWedding #KoreanCulture #KWeddingEtiquette #KoreanTradition #KCultureGuide #KoreanLifestyle #KoreaTravelTips #KoreanCustoms #KoreanCeremony #SeoulLife #CulturalTips #KoreanCelebrations #WeddingEtiquette #TravelKorea #VisitKorea #KoreanExperience #KLife #KoreanStyle #KoreaCultureGuide #ModernKorea #KoreanEvent #KoreanOccasions #ForeignerInKorea #KoreanSociety #KoreanWeddingCulture