Which Countries Are Koreans Marrying the Most? (2025 Edition)
Love Has No Borders
Walk around the trendy streets of Hongdae or the global hub of Itaewon these days, and you will notice something different. It’s not just the fashion or the cafes; it’s the couples.
International couples are everywhere.
Gone are the days when international marriage in Korea was solely the domain of rural matchmaking services. Thanks to the global explosion of K-Culture, study abroad programs, and yes, Tinder, organic international love stories are booming.
But it begs the question: Who are Koreans actually marrying?
If you are curious about the “Love Map” of South Korea, here is the breakdown of the countries where international marriage is most common, based on the latest trends and data.
1. The Overall Trend: The Numbers Are Up!
First, the good news. International marriages in Korea have been on a steady rise. As Korea faces a demographic crisis (low birth rate), the country is becoming increasingly multicultural. Today, roughly 1 in 10 marriages in Korea involves a foreign spouse. It’s no longer a niche; it’s the new normal.
2. Who Are Korean Men Marrying? (The “Bride” Map)
For Korean men, the statistics have remained somewhat consistent, but the nature of the relationships is changing.
Vietnam (The Undisputed #1): Vietnam continues to take the crown. While historically this was driven by matchmaking agencies, today we see more organic couples meeting through work and universities. The cultural similarities (Confucian values, emphasis on family) make this a strong pairing.
China: Due to geographical proximity and the huge population of ethnic Koreans in China (Joseonjok), this remains a top choice.
Thailand: This is the fastest-growing segment. Thanks to the immense popularity of K-Dramas and K-Pop in Thailand, many Thai women come to Korea to study or travel and end up finding their own “Oppa.”
3. Who Are Korean Women Marrying? (The “Groom” Map)
For Korean women, the preference leans heavily towards the West, though there are some surprises.
USA (The Top Choice): The United States is consistently the number one country for Korean women. Whether they met while studying abroad in the US, through the military communities in Korea, or via business, the “American Son-in-Law” is a very common sight at Korean family gatherings.
Vietnam: This is the statistical surprise! Recently, marriages between Korean women and Vietnamese men have spiked. This is often due to naturalized Korean citizens (originally from Vietnam) marrying women from their home country, or the growing expat community.
Canada & China: These countries follow closely behind. Canada, known for its polite demeanor and immigration-friendly policies, is a favorite for Korean women seeking a stable, multicultural life.
4. The “K-Culture” Effect: The Rise of Europe and South America
While the statistics are dominated by Asia and North America, there is a noticeable “Vibe Shift” on the streets. We are seeing a surge in couples from France, Germany, Russia, and Brazil. Why? The Hallyu Wave. Young people from these countries are flocking to Seoul to learn Korean, experience the culture, and live out their study-abroad dreams. Naturally, sparks fly. These couples often represent the “Modern International Couple”—meeting on language exchange apps or in university dorms, bonding over shared interests rather than arranged setups.
5. Is It Easier Now?
Social perception has changed drastically. Ten years ago, an international couple might have received stares. Today, they are the stars of TV shows like My Neighbor Charles or Love in Asia. Parents are becoming more open-minded (though the “Mother-in-Law” hurdle still exists!), and the government is providing more support for multicultural families via the F-6 (Spouse) Visa.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a Korean man falling for a Vietnamese student or a Korean woman marrying her American sweetheart, the map of Korean marriage is getting more colorful by the day. It proves that while language barriers are tough, love usually finds a way to translate.