Multicultural marriages hit post-pandemic high; births rise for 1st time in 12 years

Multicultural Marriages Reach Post-Pandemic Peak in Korea

The number of multicultural marriages in Korea last year climbed to its highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics.

Rising Numbers and Trends

Multicultural marriages totaled 21,450 in 2024, marking an increase of 1,019 marriages or 5 percent compared to the previous year. This figure has been gradually rising since 2016, after a sharp decline during the pandemic years. In 2019, the number peaked at 24,721 but fell drastically to 16,177 in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak, dropping further to 13,916 in 2021. Since then, the numbers have steadily recovered, exceeding 20,000 in 2023.

Birth Rates Among Multicultural Families

Births from multicultural parents also increased by more than 1,000 compared to the previous year, representing the first rise in 12 years. The ministry credits this growth to both the resurgence in international marriages and government policies supporting families.

Ministry's Insight

“The increase likely stems from a resurgence in international marriage demand that had been suppressed during the pandemic, coupled with greater stability in the residency status of foreign workers in Korea,” a ministry official said.

Overall Marriage Trends in Korea

Total marriages across Korea rose by 14.8 percent year-on-year to 222,000 in 2024, showing a much stronger growth compared to multicultural marriages.

Summary

The rebound in multicultural marriages and births reflects easing pandemic restrictions and effective family support policies, marking a positive shift in Korea’s demographic trends.

The Korea Times — 2025-11-06