Marriage in Korea is primarily a civil procedure; while religious or ceremonial aspects often hold significance, they don't establish legal marriage.
The legal process of getting married in Korea is relatively straightforward and involves registering the marriage with the government. Here's a breakdown:
-
Eligibility: Both individuals must be of legal marrying age (18 years old). If either party has been previously married, they must provide proof of divorce or death of the former spouse.
-
Obtaining a Marriage Certificate: The couple needs to visit their local district office ("Gu Office") and obtain a marriage certificate application.
-
Required Documents:
- Identification: Both partners must present valid identification, such as a passport or Korean Resident Card.
- Family Registry (혼인관계증명서 / Honin Gwangye Jeungmyeongseo): Koreans will need to provide their family registry.
- Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry (for foreigners): Foreigners typically need to provide an affidavit from their embassy stating they are legally free to marry. This may need to be translated and notarized.
- Passport and Alien Registration Card (for foreigners living in Korea).
-
Witnesses: The marriage registration requires the signatures of two adult witnesses. These witnesses can be anyone who knows the couple and is willing to sign the document.
-
Submission and Registration: The completed application form, along with the required documents and witness signatures, is submitted to the district office. The registration process typically takes a few days. Once the marriage is registered, it is legally recognized.
-
Ceremony (Optional): After completing the legal registration, many couples choose to have a wedding ceremony. These ceremonies can be traditional Korean weddings, Western-style weddings, or a combination of both. Religious ceremonies are also common. However, it's crucial to remember that the ceremony itself does not constitute legal marriage.
In summary, while Korean weddings can be elaborate and culturally rich events, the legal foundation of marriage lies in the official registration with the local district office. A marriage performed in Korea under Korean law is generally recognized internationally.
