Culture shock: Weddings

There’s definitely something about spring that empowers the Dupid in us. It might be the flowers blossoming everywhere, the Carolina Blue sky, or even the pollen in the air.

Regardless, spring is definitely the prime time for weddings in both Korea and the U.S.

Western style weddings have been adopted in Korea as well, but we have a few unique traditions.

Here are some of the differences in weddings between the U.S. and Korea:

1. Proposals

First things first, there can’t be a wedding without a proposal. From my understanding, the purpose of a proposal is to ask someone to marry you before you really commit to the whole wedding shenanigan.

Usually a man proposes to a woman well before the wedding in the United States. But in Korea, a man proposes after he and his fiance decide to get married. For instance, a couple may have finished their wedding planning, and a few days before the big day, the guy would get on his knees and ask for the girl’s hand.

This just blows my mind! Why do it if you already know that she’ll marry you? I’m sure it feels good though.

2. Bridesmaids

We don’t have bridesmaids in Korea. No matching dresses for your girlfriends, no photo shoots in those dresses, no nothing.

It’s common sense and good manners to avoid white clothing when you attend a wedding. The bride would probably want to stand out in her white or cream dress.

3. Location

Although some people get married at churches and hotels, there are wedding venues designed just for weddings. These buildings have multiple wedding halls, with separate bride and groom rooms and a dining hall.

After the wedding march and ceremony, the whole party can just move to the dining hall for lunch or dinner. No need for hectic transportation!

Also, some of these wedding conventions book weddings back to back, so the newlywed might be shooed away in preparation for the next couple. Very graceful. Plus, outdoor weddings aren’t that popular in Korea.

4. Parties

Koreans can party hardcore. We enjoy drinking and sure know how to enjoy music as well. But not so much at weddings. While American weddings have long hours of drinking and dancing — the father-daughter dance seems to be a pretty big deal — Korean weddings are mostly short. You start off with the ceremony, have a short photo shoot, eat and say adieu.

5. Pae-baek

Source: Mywedding Design

The Western style wedding has become conventional, but a piece of traditional Korean wedding lives on. Pae-Baek is originally a ceremony done at the groom’s house. The newlywed couple would pay respect to the groom’s family.

In modern day weddings, the couple will change into hanbok (Korean traditional garments) shortly after the photo shoot, move to a separate room, and have an intimate ceremony with their closest family. The parents of both the bride and groom will say their wishes and advices for the couple.