Multicultural Marriages Hit Post-Pandemic High; Births Rise for First Time in 12 Years
The number of multicultural marriages in Korea reached its highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The report highlighted a notable rebound in international unions and the first increase in multicultural births in over a decade.
Marriage Statistics and Trends
In the past year, Korea recorded 21,450 multicultural marriages, an increase of 1,019, or 5 percent, compared to the previous year. The number had previously peaked at 24,721 in 2019, before dropping to 16,177 in 2020 due to the pandemic. It fell further to 13,916 in 2021 but has since been steadily recovering, surpassing 20,000 by 2023.
“The increase likely stems from a resurgence in international marriage demand that had been suppressed during the pandemic, coupled with greater stability in the residency status of foreign workers in Korea,” said a ministry official.
Rising Births in Multicultural Families
The number of births from multicultural parents grew by more than 1,000 compared to the previous year. This marks the first rise in 12 years and suggests that both social and policy initiatives designed to support multicultural families are beginning to show results.
Broader Marriage Trends
Nationwide, total marriages increased dramatically—by 14.8 percent year-on-year to 222,000 in 2024—showing a stronger overall recovery compared to multicultural marriages.
Government Support and Social Impact
The ministry linked the growth in multicultural marriages and births to eased post-pandemic restrictions, renewed international mobility, and expanded family support programs that have fostered more inclusive living conditions for foreign residents and their Korean partners.
Author’s summary: Korea’s post-pandemic rebound includes a surge in multicultural marriages and a long-awaited recovery in birth rates, influenced by policy support and renewed global connections.