The number of marriages in South Korea grew again in 2025, driven by a change in social attitudes toward marriage, according to official data released by the government.
The trend marks a turning point after more than a decade of sustained decline and reflects a new scenario in which more and more young people consider that marriage is still necessary.
According to published figures, 240,000 marriages were registered during 2025, representing an increase of 8.1% compared to the previous year and the third consecutive increase.
This uptick comes after years of decline that lasted until 2022, and the authorities link it both to demographic factors such as the cancellation of weddings during the pandemic and to a wider cultural change.
“Social surveys show that not only are attitudes toward marriage becoming more positive among the general population, but statistics also indicate a significant increase in the belief that 'one should marry' among single men and women,” Park Hyung-jeong, director of the Ministry of Data and Statistics, explained
during a press conference.The growth of marriages occurs in a complex context for the country, which continues to face one of the lowest birth rates in the world. Authorities warn that, while there are signs of short-term recovery, structural challenges persist, such as high housing costs and difficulties associated with child care, factors that continue to influence family decisions
