Korean Wedding Etiquette
A guide to understanding Korean wedding traditions and customs for our special day
Gifting
Your Presence is the Only Present. For our dear guests traveling from abroad, please know that we DO NOT expect a gift from you at all. We understand the time, effort, and expense it takes to travel internationally, and your presence celebrating with us is honestly the greatest gift we could ever receive.
If you do wish to follow the custom: In Korea, it is traditional to give a gift of cash (called chuk-ui-geum or 축의금) in a clean white envelope. A designated table will be near the entrance to the hall. You'll sign your name and hand the envelope to the person managing the guestbook.
Dress Code
The dress code is generally smart-casual or semi-formal.
Avoid:
While white is perfectly fine for female guests in many Western countries, it's generally best to avoid an all-white dress or suit, as that color is reserved for the bride.
The Mother-in-Law: You will likely see the mothers of the couple wearing beautiful traditional Korean Hanbok. This is a wonderful photo opportunity!
Timing
Unlike some cultures where the ceremony is a long, multi-hour event, Korean wedding ceremonies are often quite short, usually lasting 30 to 60 minutes.
What to Expect:
The ceremony is often focused on a series of formal proceedings and bows. It may be faster-paced than you expect!
The Meal:
A large meal (often a buffet or set menu) is typically served immediately before or after the ceremony in the same building, and sometimes even at the same time as the ceremony. Please feel free to eat and mingle when you're ready!