Quote: (04-29-2012 10:09 AM)alphaspiraton Wrote:
Ugslayer we understand you are trying to protect your country but weddings don't cost anywhere near that much in North America, the "developed countries" you speak of. It's okay to bring in opinions but nonfactual biases which are obviously incorrect without support are not welcome.
Anyway, I worked as a parttime job many summers ago at a bridal hall - one of the biggest in Toronto. So I have real experience on how much weddings cost for individuals both middle class and upper class (aka very rich). I wouls say out of 25 weddings that took place, roughly 3 were above $100k. Mostly around 25k-55k.
I'm an American. My country is America. I'm visiting family here in Seoul. There are faults with the culture in south korea, ie extreme, but hidden racism, just as there are faults in other cultures. The culture may be a bit difficult to grasp for someone who isn't korean or has family from korea. I'm Korean-American, born in the US. My parents are from Korea, and even I have mini struggles from time to time.
I decided to read a bit more on the wedding situation, and the journalist deliberately called the costs "weddign costs" when it should have been "marriage costs". The costs mentioned include a house/apartment (in Korea most people save money and purchase apartments), furniture, honeymoon, etc. Housing made up almost 70 percent of the cost of the wedding. (http://www.chinapost.com.tw/life/offbeat...reans.htm) There may still be a problem with overspending, conspicuous consumption, and materialism, but the article purposely blows it way out of proportion.
Parlay: I don't know what the divorce rates are. They are definitely rising, but divorce is shamed in Korean culture. The attitude surrounding divorce may be changing as well. As for Korean newlyweds living with their parents, it may be the case if there are financial issues or if they have trouble raising a child with both parents working, but I think it is rare. Bowing is not a big deal here. It's a sign of respect, but it's more of a greeting and an acknowledgement of one's presence and departure. Also, cheating on a spouse is technically a crime in South Korea and one could potentially serve 2 years.