MARRIAGE IN SOUTH KOREA
Disclaimer: The following information relating to marriage requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only and may not be accurate in a particular case. Questions involving interpretations of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign attorneys or foreign government officials.
A marriage abroad under the laws of the country where it is performed is generally accepted as valid in the United States with the possible exception of a jurisdiction in which certain types of marriage might be prohibited as a matter of public policy, for example, marriage between first cousins. In Korea, an American citizen who desires to marry must do so in accordance with the provision of article 812 of the Korean Civil Code of 1960. Marriage in Korea is a civil procedure, so a religious ceremony in itself does not constitute a legal marriage.
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
The marriage does not take place at the Embassy. The only function provided by the Embassy is the notarization of documents needed for marriage. The marriage actually takes place at the Ward Office where a record is made on the family census register. The official certificate of marriage is also issued by the Mayor of Ward Office after the marriage is duly registered. Although the marriage is spoken of as a ceremony, it is primarily a routine, clerical procedures. For this reason many people also arrange to have a religious ceremony.