Weddings are one of the most exciting and meaningful moments in life. They bring together not just two people but also families, cultures, and traditions. While many modern Korean weddings have Western elements, there are still several unique customs that make them truly special.
As a language teacher learning about different cultures, I find it fascinating how weddings around the world have both similarities and surprises. Here are five Korean wedding traditions that you might not have heard of before!
1. Hanbok (한복) and Jokduri (족두리) – The Royal Wedding Look
In a traditional Korean wedding, the bride and groom wear hanbok (한복), Korea’s elegant traditional clothing.
Unlike the heavily embroidered and jewel-covered Indian bridal lehenga, hanbok has a softer, flowing elegance that feels almost dreamlike. The bride also wears a jokduri (족두리), a small yet beautifully decorated crown that makes her look like a queen. Interestingly, in ancient Korea, only noblewomen were allowed to wear it!
The groom’s outfit is more formal, sometimes paired with a gat (갓), a traditional black hat. Seeing a couple dressed in hanbok feels like stepping back into Korea’s royal past!
2. Hamhap (함합) – The Wedding Gift Parade
In the past, the ham was carried by a group of the groom’s friends, who would dress in traditional attire and create a noisy, playful scene as they delivered the box. They would shout, sing, and sometimes even demand money from the bride’s family before handing it over—turning the moment into a fun challenge! Today, while modern weddings may not follow the exact tradition, some families still incorporate a lighthearted version of it.
This reminds me of the joota chupai tradition in Indian weddings, where the bride’s family steals the groom’s shoes and playfully asks for money to return them. No matter where you are in the world, weddings are not just about rituals—they’re also about laughter, mischief, and unforgettable moments!
Imagine a wedding gift delivery turning into a lively, fun-filled event! That’s exactly what happens in the hamhap (함합) ceremony. Traditionally, before the wedding, the groom’s family would send a special wooden box called ham (함) to the bride’s house. This box contained symbolic gifts like red and blue fabrics (representing harmony in marriage) and a heartfelt letter from the groom. But here’s where it gets interesting!
3. Jeonanyrye (전안례) – The Goose with a Promise
A wedding gift... in the form of a goose? Sounds unusual, right?
But in Korea, the jeonanyrye (전안례) ceremony has a deep meaning. In the past, the groom would present a live wild goose to his bride’s family. Why? Because wild geese are known to mate for life, symbolizing eternal loyalty and a promise of faithfulness.
Today, a beautifully carved wooden goose is used instead, but the meaning remains the same—“I will be faithful to you forever.” It’s fascinating how different cultures use animals as symbols in weddings. In Indian weddings, an elephant is often seen as a sign of good luck and prosperity. What unique wedding symbols exist in your culture?
4. Pyebaek (폐백) – Winning the In-Laws’ Hearts
After the wedding, there’s one final test for the bride—Pyebaek (폐백).
In this intimate family ceremony, she kneels before her husband’s parents and serves them tea or rice wine. But here’s where it gets interesting!
The in-laws throw chestnuts and jujubes (dates) into the bride’s skirt. Each chestnut represents a future son, and each jujube represents a daughter.
It’s like predicting how many children the couple will have!
This reminds me of how Indian weddings emphasize blessings from elders. Whether it’s touching their feet for good wishes or performing sacred rituals, both cultures show deep respect for family bonds.
5. Siju (시주) – Drinking to Unity
Many cultures have a tradition of sharing a drink during wedding ceremonies, and Korea is no exception!
In the Siju (시주) ritual, the bride and groom drink from the same cup of rice wine, symbolizing their unity as a married couple.
This act represents their commitment to facing life’s challenges together, hand in hand.
I am no expert, but does it remind you of saat phere in Indian weddings?, where the couple takes seven sacred vows around the fire, promising to stay together forever.
No matter where you are in the world, weddings always have a way of celebrating love and togetherness.
Korean weddings are a beautiful mix of fun, tradition, and deep meaning. From wooden geese to predicting children with chestnuts, each ritual has a story behind it.
Learning about these customs reminds me that, while every culture is unique, the essence of a wedding remains the same—bringing two people and their families together. Have you ever attended a wedding with fascinating traditions? I’d love to hear about them!
