Authentic Artifact #3: Although I’ve gone to many Korean weddings in the past, I was curious about traditional Korean wedding culture, as today, the vast majority of Korean (American) weddings are a blend of eastern and western customs. Korea’s traditional wedding culture is one of the most fascinating aspects of its heritage, blending Confucian values, symbolic rituals, and vibrant customs that have been passed down for centuries. Unlike modern Western weddings that emphasize individual love stories and personal vows, Korean traditional weddings are deeply rooted in family, ancestral respect, and harmony between the two families involved, to me, it seems like more a marriage between two entities and groups, rather than two individuals.
One of the first things that intrigued me was the concept of the "matchmaker," known as jungmae (중매), who historically played a crucial role in arranging marriages. While love marriages are now the norm in Korea, arranged marriages were the standard for much of history, and the matchmaker was responsible for ensuring compatibility between families. The process was not just about the couple but about uniting two families in a way that would bring prosperity and harmony to both sides.
The wedding attire itself is a striking aspect of traditional Korean weddings. The bride wears a hanbok (한복), a beautifully vibrant and layered garment that symbolizes purity and elegance. She also wears a ceremonial headdress called jokduri (족두리) and a norigae (노리개), a decorative pendant that hangs from her garment. The groom, on the other hand, wears a samogwandae (사모관대), a formal attire traditionally worn by scholars and government officials, which reflects dignity and respect. Seeing couples in full traditional attire during ceremonies today feels like a glimpse into Korea’s past.
One of the most iconic wedding rituals is the pyebaek (폐백), a post-wedding ceremony where the bride formally greets the groom’s family. This ritual is deeply symbolic, as it represents the bride’s integration into her new family. During pyebaek, the couple performs deep bows, offering dates and chestnuts to the groom’s parents as symbols of fertility and prosperity. The parents, in return, throw these fruits back to the couple, and the number caught in the bride’s hanbok skirt is said to predict the number of children they will have. It’s a touching moment that emphasizes respect, family ties, and the importance of future generations.
Another fascinating part of the traditional wedding process is the role of the wedding geese, known as kireogi (기러기). In the past, a groom would present a live goose to his bride’s family, symbolizing his commitment to a lifelong, monogamous marriage—since wild geese are known to mate for life. Today, wooden geese are used instead, but the symbolism remains strong. This tradition reflects the Confucian influence on Korean values, where loyalty and fidelity are regarded as paramount.
Though modern Korean weddings have largely shifted to Western-style ceremonies, traditional elements often remain. Many couples hold a smaller traditional ceremony in addition to their Western-style wedding, paying homage to their heritage. Even in contemporary culture, these customs are celebrated in media, historical dramas, and even through reenactments at cultural heritage sites.
One of the first things that intrigued me was the concept of the "matchmaker," known as jungmae (중매), who historically played a crucial role in arranging marriages. While love marriages are now the norm in Korea, arranged marriages were the standard for much of history, and the matchmaker was responsible for ensuring compatibility between families. The process was not just about the couple but about uniting two families in a way that would bring prosperity and harmony to both sides.
The wedding attire itself is a striking aspect of traditional Korean weddings. The bride wears a hanbok (한복), a beautifully vibrant and layered garment that symbolizes purity and elegance. She also wears a ceremonial headdress called jokduri (족두리) and a norigae (노리개), a decorative pendant that hangs from her garment. The groom, on the other hand, wears a samogwandae (사모관대), a formal attire traditionally worn by scholars and government officials, which reflects dignity and respect. Seeing couples in full traditional attire during ceremonies today feels like a glimpse into Korea’s past.
One of the most iconic wedding rituals is the pyebaek (폐백), a post-wedding ceremony where the bride formally greets the groom’s family. This ritual is deeply symbolic, as it represents the bride’s integration into her new family. During pyebaek, the couple performs deep bows, offering dates and chestnuts to the groom’s parents as symbols of fertility and prosperity. The parents, in return, throw these fruits back to the couple, and the number caught in the bride’s hanbok skirt is said to predict the number of children they will have. It’s a touching moment that emphasizes respect, family ties, and the importance of future generations.
Another fascinating part of the traditional wedding process is the role of the wedding geese, known as kireogi (기러기). In the past, a groom would present a live goose to his bride’s family, symbolizing his commitment to a lifelong, monogamous marriage—since wild geese are known to mate for life. Today, wooden geese are used instead, but the symbolism remains strong. This tradition reflects the Confucian influence on Korean values, where loyalty and fidelity are regarded as paramount.
Though modern Korean weddings have largely shifted to Western-style ceremonies, traditional elements often remain. Many couples hold a smaller traditional ceremony in addition to their Western-style wedding, paying homage to their heritage. Even in contemporary culture, these customs are celebrated in media, historical dramas, and even through reenactments at cultural heritage sites.
Comments
Wow the whole aspect of “matchmaker” was really surprising to me, I have other Korean friends who have told me they would not be able to marry someone who is not Korean which I find interesting. What do you think about this?