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South Korea Sees Marriage Surge, Divorce Rates Decline

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 2025, marriages in South Korea rose 8.1% to about 240,000, the highest in seven years.
The 2024 rebound of 14.8% followed, with the Ministry of Statistics attributing it to pent-up Covid-19 demand.
The average age at first marriage is 33.9 for men and 31.6 for women.
Divorces fell to 88,000 in the sixth consecutive year.
The average age at divorce rose to 51 for men and 47.7 for women.

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Story summary

In 2025, marriages in South Korea rose 8.1% to about 240,000, the highest in seven years.
The 2024 rebound of 14.8% followed, with the Ministry of Statistics attributing it to pent-up Covid-19 demand.
The average age at first marriage is 33.9 for men and 31.6 for women.
Divorces fell to 88,000 in the sixth consecutive year.
The average age at divorce rose to 51 for men and 47.7 for women.