Korean women in their 30s seem to be gaining a rosier view of marriage and childbirth. (Photo courtesy of ImageToday)

Recent data shows that young Koreans are thinking more positively about marriage. A survey by the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy found that 65.4 percent of unmarried respondents look forward to marriage – a promising 4.4 percent increase over March of this year. The trend is particularly encouraging among women in their 30s, for whom interest in marriage has risen from 48.4 percent to 60 percent, reflecting their evolving perspectives on family life.

The Korean government has been taking bold steps to improve people’s attitudes toward marriage following the declaration of a “national demographic emergency” in June. A key part of this effort is making it easier to start a family, with the goal of raising the fertility rate to one child per woman by 2030. The strategy, comprising 15 innovative initiatives, aims to improve work-life balance, expand childcare support and make housing more affordable. These proactive measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to creating an environment where young people can confidently pursue the dream of getting married and starting a family.

The promotional poster for “I Am Jeollo,” a program being run by the Jogye Order and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to boost Korea’s low birth rate (Image courtesy of the Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation)

Local organizations are contributing by offering creative programs that celebrate authentic relationships. The “I Am Jeollo” temple retreat program is a unique cultural experience that fuses traditional wisdom with modern relationship-building. Singles in their 30s and 40s have a chance to mingle in the serene environment of a Korean Buddhist temple, engaging in mindful activities, guided meditation sessions and structured conversations designed to foster genuine connections and positive views on partnerships. 

The “I Am Jeollo” temple stay program brings 30- and 40-somethings together and helps foster positive attitudes toward marriage. (Photo courtesy of the Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation)

Meanwhile, Seoul’s vibrant “Romance in Hangang” transforms the manmade Sebitseom Islets into a dynamic social hub. Held on the river, this program treats unmarried Seoul residents aged 25-39 to a series of carefully curated experiences, from sunset yacht tours that offer a chance to take in the city’s romantic skyline to interactive recreational games that break the ice. The events also include innovative speed-dating sessions that allow attendees to have meaningful conversations while enjoying the riverfront atmosphere. These thoughtfully designed gatherings are a natural, comfortable chance for young people to build potential relationships by discovering shared interests and values. 

The poster for “Romance in Hangang,” which brings together 100 unmarried Seoulites (Image courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)

The government’s relationship-building programs also cater to older adults, for example, through the “Jongno Good Life Challenge.” 

A supportive environment for marriage and family life is being created through government initiatives and community programs, with early signs of positive results. The growing enthusiasm for marriage, especially among women in their 30s, suggests that these programs are resonating with their intended audience. Through these well-designed policies and engaging social programs, Korea is paving the way for a future in which more people want to and are able to get married and start a family.