Whether Koreans live together before marriage is complex and evolving, but the short answer is increasingly, yes, though attitudes still vary.
While traditionally, cohabitation before marriage was less common in South Korea, societal attitudes are changing. Here's a breakdown:
-
Increased Acceptance: According to recent government surveys, there's a growing acceptance of unmarried couples living together.
- In South Korea, the approval rate for living together outside marriage has climbed to 65%, a significant increase from 46% a decade prior (as of March 5, 2023).
-
Differing Views on Children: Despite the increased acceptance of cohabitation, opinions are more divided regarding unmarried couples having children.
- Only 35% of those surveyed agree that unmarried couples should be allowed to have children (as of March 5, 2023). This highlights a potential cultural nuance where cohabitation is becoming more accepted, but having children outside of marriage still faces more societal reservations.
-
Factors Influencing Cohabitation: Several factors could be contributing to this shift, including:
- Changing Social Norms: A move away from traditional family values and towards more individualistic lifestyles.
- Economic Considerations: Sharing living expenses can be a practical decision for young couples in a challenging economy.
- Trial Period: Living together allows couples to assess compatibility before making the long-term commitment of marriage.
In conclusion, while it wasn't always the norm, cohabitation before marriage is becoming more common and accepted in South Korea, although certain aspects, such as having children outside of marriage, remain more controversial.
