In 2022, the divorce rate in South Korea amounted to 1.8 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants, slightly lower than the previous year. The divorce rate shows slight signs of decline, which reflects changes in the country's social norms. As the stigma attached to leaving a marriage becomes less significant, more people are deciding to get a divorce if they are unhappy in their marriage. Simultaneously, less people are getting married, and tend to do so later than before.
Happily ever after?
The main reasons for divorce in the country have changed over the years, but include factors such as domestic abuse, financial instability, infidelity, and basic unhappiness. While the actual number of divorces in the country has decreased, and stood at just over 93 thousand people in 2022, the divorce rate has barely changed in recent years.
Decline in weddings
Just as it has become more acceptable to leave a marriage, the number of marriages has also declined across the country. Over the past five years, the number of marriages has steadily decreased as South Koreans now are not placing such a high importance on marriage as with previous generations. A major factor stopping Koreans from getting married is concern about childbirth and childcare, with many believing they are not financially secure enough. In fact, many young people do not have any plans to marry at all.
