GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korean Wedding Industry Statistics

The Korean wedding industry is growing strongly as spending rebounds with luxury trends expanding.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

72% of Korean millennials prefer destination weddings costing 50 million KRW extra in 2023.

Statistic 2

58% of couples chose sustainable wedding practices like eco-friendly venues in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 3

Average age of brides in Korea rose to 32.5 years in 2023, delaying weddings.

Statistic 4

65% of 2023 weddings incorporated K-pop themed elements per industry polls.

Statistic 5

40% of couples opted for virtual guest participation post-COVID in 2023.

Statistic 6

Preference for winter weddings increased to 28% in 2023 due to venue discounts.

Statistic 7

55% of grooms participated in dress selection, up from 30% in 2019, per 2023 data.

Statistic 8

70% of couples used wedding apps for planning in 2023.

Statistic 9

Hanok weddings surged 35% in popularity among under-30s in 2023.

Statistic 10

62% prioritized personalized menus with dietary options in 2023 weddings.

Statistic 11

Overseas honeymoons chosen by 75% of couples, with Europe up 20% in 2023.

Statistic 12

48% selected gender-neutral wedding themes in 2023 polls.

Statistic 13

Average guest list size dropped to 120 in 2023 from 150 pre-2020.

Statistic 14

80% of 2023 couples shared wedding via social media live streams.

Statistic 15

Vegan wedding cake demand rose 25% in 2023.

Statistic 16

52% chose morning weddings to cut costs in 2023.

Statistic 17

Pet-inclusive weddings up to 15% in urban areas 2023.

Statistic 18

67% used AI for wedding photo editing in 2023.

Statistic 19

Second marriages account for 22% of weddings, with average budget 70% of firsts in 2023.

Statistic 20

35% of weddings feature traditional Pyebaek ceremonies in modern settings in 2023.

Statistic 21

Hanbok usage in weddings rose to 85% among couples under 35 in 2023.

Statistic 22

Paebaek (family bowing) retained in 60% of contemporary weddings per 2023 studies.

Statistic 23

Noodle-sharing ritual (gonggi) performed in 70% of ceremonies in 2023.

Statistic 24

Use of colored dates and chestnuts in toss games up 40% in 2023 weddings.

Statistic 25

50% of weddings include ancestral rites (jesa) pre-ceremony in 2023.

Statistic 26

Fusion hanbok designs popular in 75% of bridal attire choices 2023.

Statistic 27

Traditional music (gayageum) featured in 45% of entrance processions 2023.

Statistic 28

Wedding ducks (mandarin symbols) gifted in 55% of ceremonies 2023.

Statistic 29

Geomantic site selection consulted for 20% of venue choices in 2023.

Statistic 30

Four-pillar fortune matching done for 65% of engaged couples pre-2023 weddings.

Statistic 31

Red and blue string symbolism in rings used in 80% of traditional sets 2023.

Statistic 32

Yeosanbushang (pre-wedding gifts) exchanged in 30% rural weddings 2023.

Statistic 33

Nuptial cups from celadon pottery in 40% upscale hanok weddings 2023.

Statistic 34

Post-wedding housewarming (hollye) celebrated in 25% urban couples 2023.

Statistic 35

Tiger motifs in decorations for protection in 35% 2023 weddings.

Statistic 36

Bamboo fans as favors in 50% traditional-themed weddings 2023.

Statistic 37

Samsul (three blessings) recited in 90% officiant speeches 2023.

Statistic 38

Lotus flower symbolism in centerpieces for 60% hanok venues 2023.

Statistic 39

The Korean wedding industry generated approximately 28.5 trillion KRW in revenue in 2022, reflecting a 4.8% year-over-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 40

Wedding-related expenditures in South Korea totaled 15.2 trillion KRW for hanok and venue services in 2023.

Statistic 41

The average annual growth rate of the Korean wedding market from 2018 to 2023 was 3.7%, fueled by luxury segment expansion.

Statistic 42

In 2023, the wedding dress rental market segment alone contributed 1.8 trillion KRW to the industry total.

Statistic 43

South Korea's wedding industry market volume is projected to reach 32 trillion KRW by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.1%.

Statistic 44

Banquet hall revenues from weddings accounted for 42% of the total industry revenue in 2022, equating to 12 trillion KRW.

Statistic 45

The online wedding platform sector grew by 15% in 2023, adding 0.9 trillion KRW to the market size.

Statistic 46

Pre-wedding photoshoot services generated 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022, representing 7.4% of total wedding industry revenue.

Statistic 47

The wedding jewelry market in Korea reached 3.4 trillion KRW in 2023, up 6.2% from 2022.

Statistic 48

Honeymoon travel packages contributed 1.2 trillion KRW to the wedding industry in 2023.

Statistic 49

Luxury wedding planner services saw a 12% revenue increase to 0.7 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 50

The total number of weddings in Korea in 2022 was 193,000, supporting a market size of 28.5 trillion KRW.

Statistic 51

Wedding catering services generated 4.5 trillion KRW in 2023, comprising 14% of industry total.

Statistic 52

Digital wedding invitation platforms added 0.3 trillion KRW in 2023 market growth.

Statistic 53

The hanbok rental market for weddings hit 1.1 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 54

Overall wedding industry employment supported 250,000 jobs in 2023, correlating to 30 trillion KRW economic impact.

Statistic 55

Wedding beauty services (makeup/hair) revenue was 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 56

The market for wedding cars and transportation reached 0.6 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 57

Sustainable wedding product sales grew to 0.4 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 58

Wedding gift registries contributed 0.8 trillion KRW to e-commerce wedding sales in 2023.

Statistic 59

60% of top banquet halls in Seoul booked 90% capacity in 2023.

Statistic 60

Over 1,200 wedding halls operate in South Korea as of 2023.

Statistic 61

Leading planner 'The Most' handled 5,000 weddings in 2023.

Statistic 62

Hanok venues increased by 150 new sites in 2023.

Statistic 63

Wedding dress rental chains like 'Rabbit Hole' served 200,000 brides in 2023.

Statistic 64

300+ jewelry brands specialize in wedding sets, with Chowtai leading at 15% market share.

Statistic 65

Top 10 caterers handled 40% of premium weddings in 2023.

Statistic 66

Prewedding studios number 2,500 nationwide in 2023.

Statistic 67

Beauty service providers for weddings exceed 5,000 salons in Seoul alone 2023.

Statistic 68

Wedding car rental firms grew to 400 companies in 2023.

Statistic 69

Flower import companies for weddings: 250 major players in 2023.

Statistic 70

DJ and band agencies: 1,100 registered for weddings in 2023.

Statistic 71

Online platforms like 'Zank' booked 50,000 weddings in 2023.

Statistic 72

Luxury hotels hosted 25% of high-end weddings in 2023.

Statistic 73

MC services provided by 800 professionals in 2023 wedding market.

Statistic 74

Gift registry platforms partnered with 100+ retailers in 2023.

Statistic 75

Overseas wedding coordinators: 50 agencies for 10,000 couples in 2023.

Statistic 76

Eco-wedding venue certifications issued to 200 sites in 2023.

Statistic 77

Mobile wedding bars served 15% of outdoor weddings in 2023.

Statistic 78

Pachessi (traditional game) providers for weddings: 300 vendors.

Statistic 79

Drone photography services used in 20% of weddings by 50 firms in 2023.

Statistic 80

The average cost of a wedding in Seoul in 2023 was 240 million KRW, with total national spend at 29 trillion KRW.

Statistic 81

Brides allocate 25% of their wedding budget (about 60 million KRW) to dresses and accessories in 2023.

Statistic 82

Average banquet hall rental for weddings costs 80 million KRW in 2023, up 7% from 2022.

Statistic 83

Pre-wedding photoshoot expenses average 15 million KRW per couple in 2023.

Statistic 84

Honeymoon budgets for Korean couples average 30 million KRW in 2023.

Statistic 85

Wedding ring sets cost an average of 25 million KRW in 2023, with gold prices driving increases.

Statistic 86

Catering per wedding guest costs 150,000 KRW on average in 2023, totaling 22.5 million KRW for 150 guests.

Statistic 87

Wedding makeup and hair services average 5 million KRW per bride in Seoul 2023.

Statistic 88

Hanbok rental for weddings costs 3-5 million KRW on average in 2023.

Statistic 89

Wedding invitation printing and digital services average 2 million KRW per wedding in 2023.

Statistic 90

Entertainment (bands/DJs) budgets for weddings average 10 million KRW in 2023.

Statistic 91

Wedding planner fees range from 10-20 million KRW, averaging 15 million in 2023.

Statistic 92

Flower decoration costs average 20 million KRW for full wedding setups in 2023.

Statistic 93

Transportation (limos) for weddings costs 4 million KRW on average in 2023.

Statistic 94

Gift favors per guest cost 20,000 KRW, totaling 3 million KRW for 150 guests in 2023.

Statistic 95

68% of couples in 2023 spent over 200 million KRW on their weddings.

Statistic 96

Regional weddings outside Seoul average 150 million KRW, 37% less than capital costs in 2023.

Statistic 97

Post-wedding party costs average 5 million KRW in 2023.

Statistic 98

45% of 2023 weddings were small-scale under 100 guests, averaging 120 million KRW budgets.

1/98

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From the dazzling sparkle of wedding rings to the intricate folds of a rented hanbok, the Korean wedding industry is a multi-trillion-won machine fueled by tradition, luxury, and meticulous planning.

Key Takeaways

The Korean wedding industry generated approximately 28.5 trillion KRW in revenue in 2022, reflecting a 4.8% year-over-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.
Wedding-related expenditures in South Korea totaled 15.2 trillion KRW for hanok and venue services in 2023.
The average annual growth rate of the Korean wedding market from 2018 to 2023 was 3.7%, fueled by luxury segment expansion.
The average cost of a wedding in Seoul in 2023 was 240 million KRW, with total national spend at 29 trillion KRW.
Brides allocate 25% of their wedding budget (about 60 million KRW) to dresses and accessories in 2023.
Average banquet hall rental for weddings costs 80 million KRW in 2023, up 7% from 2022.
72% of Korean millennials prefer destination weddings costing 50 million KRW extra in 2023.
58% of couples chose sustainable wedding practices like eco-friendly venues in 2023 surveys.
Average age of brides in Korea rose to 32.5 years in 2023, delaying weddings.
60% of top banquet halls in Seoul booked 90% capacity in 2023.
Over 1,200 wedding halls operate in South Korea as of 2023.
Leading planner 'The Most' handled 5,000 weddings in 2023.
35% of weddings feature traditional Pyebaek ceremonies in modern settings in 2023.
Hanbok usage in weddings rose to 85% among couples under 35 in 2023.
Paebaek (family bowing) retained in 60% of contemporary weddings per 2023 studies.

The Korean wedding industry is growing strongly as spending rebounds with luxury trends expanding.

Consumer Behavior & Trends

72% of Korean millennials prefer destination weddings costing 50 million KRW extra in 2023.
58% of couples chose sustainable wedding practices like eco-friendly venues in 2023 surveys.
Average age of brides in Korea rose to 32.5 years in 2023, delaying weddings.
65% of 2023 weddings incorporated K-pop themed elements per industry polls.
40% of couples opted for virtual guest participation post-COVID in 2023.
Preference for winter weddings increased to 28% in 2023 due to venue discounts.
55% of grooms participated in dress selection, up from 30% in 2019, per 2023 data.
70% of couples used wedding apps for planning in 2023.
Hanok weddings surged 35% in popularity among under-30s in 2023.
62% prioritized personalized menus with dietary options in 2023 weddings.
Overseas honeymoons chosen by 75% of couples, with Europe up 20% in 2023.
48% selected gender-neutral wedding themes in 2023 polls.
Average guest list size dropped to 120 in 2023 from 150 pre-2020.
80% of 2023 couples shared wedding via social media live streams.
Vegan wedding cake demand rose 25% in 2023.
52% chose morning weddings to cut costs in 2023.
Pet-inclusive weddings up to 15% in urban areas 2023.
67% used AI for wedding photo editing in 2023.
Second marriages account for 22% of weddings, with average budget 70% of firsts in 2023.

Consumer Behavior & Trends Interpretation

In an era where Korean millennials delay tying the knot until 32.5, they are orchestrating a surprisingly efficient revolution, swapping massive guest lists for virtual guests and AI-edited photos, channeling the savings into K-pop-themed destination weddings in discounted winter hanoks, all while ensuring the dog, the vegan cake, and their very modern, personalized love story are center stage.

Cultural & Traditional Elements

35% of weddings feature traditional Pyebaek ceremonies in modern settings in 2023.
Hanbok usage in weddings rose to 85% among couples under 35 in 2023.
Paebaek (family bowing) retained in 60% of contemporary weddings per 2023 studies.
Noodle-sharing ritual (gonggi) performed in 70% of ceremonies in 2023.
Use of colored dates and chestnuts in toss games up 40% in 2023 weddings.
50% of weddings include ancestral rites (jesa) pre-ceremony in 2023.
Fusion hanbok designs popular in 75% of bridal attire choices 2023.
Traditional music (gayageum) featured in 45% of entrance processions 2023.
Wedding ducks (mandarin symbols) gifted in 55% of ceremonies 2023.
Geomantic site selection consulted for 20% of venue choices in 2023.
Four-pillar fortune matching done for 65% of engaged couples pre-2023 weddings.
Red and blue string symbolism in rings used in 80% of traditional sets 2023.
Yeosanbushang (pre-wedding gifts) exchanged in 30% rural weddings 2023.
Nuptial cups from celadon pottery in 40% upscale hanok weddings 2023.
Post-wedding housewarming (hollye) celebrated in 25% urban couples 2023.
Tiger motifs in decorations for protection in 35% 2023 weddings.
Bamboo fans as favors in 50% traditional-themed weddings 2023.
Samsul (three blessings) recited in 90% officiant speeches 2023.
Lotus flower symbolism in centerpieces for 60% hanok venues 2023.

Cultural & Traditional Elements Interpretation

Despite their high-tech lives, a remarkable number of Korean couples are stubbornly insisting that their modern love be properly seasoned with the sacred salt and playful chaos of their ancestors' rituals.

Market Size & Growth

The Korean wedding industry generated approximately 28.5 trillion KRW in revenue in 2022, reflecting a 4.8% year-over-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.
Wedding-related expenditures in South Korea totaled 15.2 trillion KRW for hanok and venue services in 2023.
The average annual growth rate of the Korean wedding market from 2018 to 2023 was 3.7%, fueled by luxury segment expansion.
In 2023, the wedding dress rental market segment alone contributed 1.8 trillion KRW to the industry total.
South Korea's wedding industry market volume is projected to reach 32 trillion KRW by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.1%.
Banquet hall revenues from weddings accounted for 42% of the total industry revenue in 2022, equating to 12 trillion KRW.
The online wedding platform sector grew by 15% in 2023, adding 0.9 trillion KRW to the market size.
Pre-wedding photoshoot services generated 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022, representing 7.4% of total wedding industry revenue.
The wedding jewelry market in Korea reached 3.4 trillion KRW in 2023, up 6.2% from 2022.
Honeymoon travel packages contributed 1.2 trillion KRW to the wedding industry in 2023.
Luxury wedding planner services saw a 12% revenue increase to 0.7 trillion KRW in 2023.
The total number of weddings in Korea in 2022 was 193,000, supporting a market size of 28.5 trillion KRW.
Wedding catering services generated 4.5 trillion KRW in 2023, comprising 14% of industry total.
Digital wedding invitation platforms added 0.3 trillion KRW in 2023 market growth.
The hanbok rental market for weddings hit 1.1 trillion KRW in 2022.
Overall wedding industry employment supported 250,000 jobs in 2023, correlating to 30 trillion KRW economic impact.
Wedding beauty services (makeup/hair) revenue was 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023.
The market for wedding cars and transportation reached 0.6 trillion KRW in 2022.
Sustainable wedding product sales grew to 0.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
Wedding gift registries contributed 0.8 trillion KRW to e-commerce wedding sales in 2023.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

Despite a declining number of actual weddings, South Korea's nuptial industry is thriving, proving that while love may be priceless, a meticulously curated, multi-trillion-won production certainly is not.

Service Providers & Venues

60% of top banquet halls in Seoul booked 90% capacity in 2023.
Over 1,200 wedding halls operate in South Korea as of 2023.
Leading planner 'The Most' handled 5,000 weddings in 2023.
Hanok venues increased by 150 new sites in 2023.
Wedding dress rental chains like 'Rabbit Hole' served 200,000 brides in 2023.
300+ jewelry brands specialize in wedding sets, with Chowtai leading at 15% market share.
Top 10 caterers handled 40% of premium weddings in 2023.
Prewedding studios number 2,500 nationwide in 2023.
Beauty service providers for weddings exceed 5,000 salons in Seoul alone 2023.
Wedding car rental firms grew to 400 companies in 2023.
Flower import companies for weddings: 250 major players in 2023.
DJ and band agencies: 1,100 registered for weddings in 2023.
Online platforms like 'Zank' booked 50,000 weddings in 2023.
Luxury hotels hosted 25% of high-end weddings in 2023.
MC services provided by 800 professionals in 2023 wedding market.
Gift registry platforms partnered with 100+ retailers in 2023.
Overseas wedding coordinators: 50 agencies for 10,000 couples in 2023.
Eco-wedding venue certifications issued to 200 sites in 2023.
Mobile wedding bars served 15% of outdoor weddings in 2023.
Pachessi (traditional game) providers for weddings: 300 vendors.
Drone photography services used in 20% of weddings by 50 firms in 2023.

Service Providers & Venues Interpretation

Despite an army of over 1,200 wedding halls, 5,000 salons, and 50 drone firms all vying for their share, the modern Korean couple still navigates a matrimonial-industrial complex so vast that finding a moment of true intimacy requires booking a luxury hotel, a hanok, or a very understanding mobile bar.

Wedding Costs & Budgets

The average cost of a wedding in Seoul in 2023 was 240 million KRW, with total national spend at 29 trillion KRW.
Brides allocate 25% of their wedding budget (about 60 million KRW) to dresses and accessories in 2023.
Average banquet hall rental for weddings costs 80 million KRW in 2023, up 7% from 2022.
Pre-wedding photoshoot expenses average 15 million KRW per couple in 2023.
Honeymoon budgets for Korean couples average 30 million KRW in 2023.
Wedding ring sets cost an average of 25 million KRW in 2023, with gold prices driving increases.
Catering per wedding guest costs 150,000 KRW on average in 2023, totaling 22.5 million KRW for 150 guests.
Wedding makeup and hair services average 5 million KRW per bride in Seoul 2023.
Hanbok rental for weddings costs 3-5 million KRW on average in 2023.
Wedding invitation printing and digital services average 2 million KRW per wedding in 2023.
Entertainment (bands/DJs) budgets for weddings average 10 million KRW in 2023.
Wedding planner fees range from 10-20 million KRW, averaging 15 million in 2023.
Flower decoration costs average 20 million KRW for full wedding setups in 2023.
Transportation (limos) for weddings costs 4 million KRW on average in 2023.
Gift favors per guest cost 20,000 KRW, totaling 3 million KRW for 150 guests in 2023.
68% of couples in 2023 spent over 200 million KRW on their weddings.
Regional weddings outside Seoul average 150 million KRW, 37% less than capital costs in 2023.
Post-wedding party costs average 5 million KRW in 2023.
45% of 2023 weddings were small-scale under 100 guests, averaging 120 million KRW budgets.

Wedding Costs & Budgets Interpretation

In Seoul, saying "I do" now requires a down payment rivaling a luxury apartment's, proving love may be priceless, but the photo evidence, banquet hall, and three-minute aisle walk in a dress costing 60 million won most certainly are not.