Why Are So Many Young Koreans Choosing Not to Marry?

7월 18, 2025

South Korea is experiencing one of the world’s lowest marriage and birth rates. In 2024, the country recorded its lowest ever number of marriages, especially among people in their 20s and 30s. Young Koreans are increasingly deciding not to marry, and this trend is raising concerns across society. But why is this happening?

Is It About Money and Stability?

For many, financial pressure is a major factor. Rising housing costs, unstable job markets, and expensive wedding or childcare costs make marriage seem like a luxury. In a competitive society where stability is hard to achieve, marriage becomes a difficult choice. Many feel that they need to first secure their own lives before considering starting a family.

How Does Culture Influence Their Choices?

Traditional gender roles in marriage also play a role. Women are often expected to manage both work and household responsibilities. Many young women view this as unfair and burdensome. Some say marriage in Korea hasn’t evolved to match modern values, so they prefer to stay single or delay marriage indefinitely.

What Role Does Career Play in All This?

Career-focused lifestyles are becoming more common. Both men and women in the MZ generation are investing more time in self-development, travel, hobbies, and professional goals. Marriage is no longer seen as a necessary life step. For many, personal freedom and fulfillment come first.

What’s the Impact on Korean Society?

This shift is creating national concern over population decline and future workforce shortages. The government has introduced policies to encourage marriage and childbirth, but with limited success. Meanwhile, MZ Koreans are pushing for more flexible family structures, better work-life balance, and true gender equality—things they believe must come first.

Now Korea