How to Invite Foreign Guests to a Wedding in Korea
A Korean Local’s Practical Guide for International Couples
Planning a wedding in Korea is exciting, but when you start including foreign guests, the details multiply. Invitations become more than pieces of paper — they are your first touchpoint with visitors from different cultures, languages, and expectations.
In Korea, weddings can be formal and organized, with traditional ceremonies followed by receptions. When foreign guests are involved, you suddenly need to think about language, logistics, cultural etiquette, and clear communication.
This guide breaks down how to invite foreign guests to a wedding in Korea in a way that’s respectful, clear, and genuinely welcoming — from wording your invites to managing travel questions.
1. Start With a Clear Guest List
Before you even draft invitations, create a detailed guest list that separates:
- Local Korean guests
- Foreign guests living in Korea
- Foreign guests traveling from abroad
This list matters because the needs and communication channels vary. If your friend lives in Seoul, an electronic invite might suffice. But if your cousin is flying in from Canada, you’ll want a formal invitation letter they can use for planning, visas, and travel schedules.
International guests often need details like:
- Wedding date and schedule
- Venue address (including a map)
- Recommended hotels and transport
- Dress code (especially if traditional attire is expected)
International weddings — especially those crossing continents — need more preparation. Start early.
2. Invitation Wording Matters
In Korea, wedding invitations are traditionally formal. However, when foreign guests are involved, you have to balance formal etiquette with clear English language communication.
Your invitation should include:
- Names of the couple (with clear pronunciation guides if needed)
- Wedding date, time, and venue
- Ceremony and reception schedule
- RSVP instructions
- Contact info for questions
- Any travel details or group arrangements
For example:
“Together with their families
[name] and [name]
joyfully invite you to their wedding
on [date] at [venue], Seoul, Korea
Ceremony begins at [time]
Reception follows immediately
RSVP by [date]
For travel and accommodation, please contact [name/contact]”
Notice how this wording is simple and polite. It avoids local idioms that might confuse non-Korean speakers.
3. Choose the Right Format: Paper and Digital Invites
In Korea, traditional paper wedding invitations still hold cultural importance. They are often sent by mail or handed out in person. But for foreign guests, paper invites sometimes arrive late or get lost in international mail.
So consider a hybrid approach:
- Digital Invitations: Send an email or event page link with all wedding information, photos, and RSVP buttons. This ensures your guests see everything in time.
- Formal Paper Invitations: Mail these to international guests if time permits, or hand them personally when they arrive.
Digital tools also allow you to embed maps, hotel suggestions, and even language support for directions and schedules.
4. Official Invitation Letters for Visa Purposes
Some foreign guests may need a visa to enter Korea, especially if they are traveling specifically for your wedding. In that case, a standard wedding invite might not be enough.
You may need to provide a formal invitation letter that includes:
- Your full names and contact info
- Your resident status in Korea
- The purpose of the visit (wedding attendance)
- Wedding details
- Relationship to the invitee
Attach copies of your wedding invitation and ceremony schedule. Many guests use this package when applying for visitor visas. Write the letter on personalized or printed stationery and sign it yourself.
Check the Korean embassy or consulate website in your guest’s country for specific requirements — these can differ by location.
5. Language and Accessibility
For foreign guests, language clarity is essential. Don’t assume everyone reads Korean. Offer:
- English versions of all invitations and schedules\
- Transcribed pronunciation guides for Korean names and locations
- Simple directions from major airports or subway stations
If your family traditions include Korean terms or rituals, offer a simple explanation in English (or other languages) so guests feel included during the ceremony.
For large weddings, consider printing a bilingual program that outlines:
- Order of events
- Names and roles of speakers
- Meaning of any cultural rituals
This enhances understanding and makes foreign guests feel truly part of the experience.
6. Explain Cultural Etiquette Early
Korean weddings have some unique traditions that may be unfamiliar to foreign guests, such as:
- Bowing rituals
- Gift envelopes (often cash gifts in white envelopes)
- Specific dress norms
Include a brief cultural note in your invitation materials or wedding website. This is especially helpful for guests who want to show respect but aren’t sure how.
For example:
“At Korean weddings, guests often present gifts in special envelopes. If you would like to join this tradition, envelopes are welcome at the reception gift table.”
Simple notes like this make foreign guests feel informed and comfortable.
7. RSVP Management
When inviting foreign guests, managing RSVPs requires patience and clarity. People might:
- Have questions about travel logistics
- Need to confirm flights before responding
- Require time to request visa support
Use a clear RSVP deadline — typically 4–6 weeks before the wedding — and send reminders as needed. Provide:
- A contact person’s WhatsApp or email
- A shared document or link for responses
- Travel advice and hotel suggestions
This creates confidence and reduces confusion.
8. Think About Travel Logistics
Inviting foreign guests means you are partly responsible for guiding them through travel logistics. Offer suggestions for:
- Best airports to fly into (Incheon or Gimpo)
- Recommended hotel options near the venue
- Local transport tips (subway, taxis, buses)
- Weather considerations on your wedding date
A simple travel page on your wedding site can be invaluable. Include maps, transit links, and estimated travel times.
9. Hospitality and Accommodation
Korean hospitality shines when guests are well cared for. Think about:
- Group hotel rates for foreign guests
- Welcome dinners or pre-wedding meetups
- Gift bags with local treats and travel essentials
- Maps with essential phrases in English or other languages
Your guests will remember not just the ceremony, but how welcomed and comfortable they felt in Korea.
10. Follow Up and Communication
After sending invitations, keep lines of communication open. Some foreign guests may:
- Ask about dietary restrictions
- Want help with translation
- Request cultural explanations before attending
Responding kindly and promptly helps set expectations and build excitement.
A Local Korean’s Final Thoughts
Inviting foreign guests to a wedding in Korea is equal parts logistics, love, and cultural sharing. From clear invitations to thoughtful travel guidance and gentle explanations of tradition, every detail helps bridge cultures.
As someone who has lived here and seen many weddings — both traditional and international — I can tell you this: foreign guests don’t need perfection. They need clarity, warmth, and guidance. When they feel included and informed, your wedding becomes not just a celebration of your love, but a shared cultural moment that your international friends and family will cherish forever.