South Korean Government Aids Dating and Marriage



People in South Korea who are dating can do so with government support. A 2023 census showed that the total population of South Korea — not including foreign nationals — was 49 million, down 101,000 from the previous year. There were 194,000 marriages in South Korea in 2023, a 40% decrease over the past 10 years. That’s because an increasing number of South Koreans have given up on dating and marriage, putting the birth rate at a record low. As a result, the government has taken measures to resolve the issue by providing programs such as “I Am Solo" that offers opportunities for a rendezvous between single men and women in their 20s and 30s, similar to speed dating in the U.S. The program screens applicants, selects participants, and arranges blind dates for them. Couples who become pairs are provided with KRW 500,000 ($343), and KRW 1 million ($686) if the have family meetings to discuss marriage. If a marriage does take place, the bride and groom are given KRW 20 million ($13,720). The Seoul Metropolitan Government has opened up 28 public facilities as wedding halls, as those run by the private sector are costly. Weddings performed at one of the public facilities is always free. If the newlyweds buy a house, they will receive a downpayment of KRW 30 million ($20,580), and if they rent a house they are provided with a monthly supplement of KRW 800,000 ($550) for up to 5 years. The South Korean government is hoping that these measures will help to increase the population in the coming years.