Being invited to a Korean wedding as a foreigner can be exciting—but also a little nerve-wracking. The customs, clothing expectations, and gift-giving traditions are often quite different from what many foreigners are used to. If you’ve never been to a Korean wedding before, you might wonder: What should I wear? How much money should I give? Is there something I need to prepare in advance?
In Korea, weddings tend to be more formal, shorter in length, and highly structured. The ceremony itself often lasts under an hour, followed by a buffet-style meal. Guests usually don’t stay long afterward. And instead of bringing a physical gift, you’re expected to give a cash envelope.
Understanding these differences will help you show respect to the couple and avoid any awkward situations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do—from the moment you receive the invitation to the end of the wedding day—so you can attend with confidence.
Table of Contents:
- Got Invited? What to Do First
- Dress Code: What to Wear (and What to Avoid!)
- How Much to Give? Korean Wedding Cash Gift Rules
- What Happens at a Korean Wedding Ceremony?
- Quick Cultural Etiquette Tips for Foreign Guests
- FAQ: Foreigner Questions You’re Too Afraid to Ask
Got Invited? What to Do First
Korean wedding invitations can arrive in several formats: a formal paper invitation, a KakaoTalk message with an image, or even just a simple text. Most commonly, you’ll get a photo-style invite through Kakao with details about the venue, date, and time. Don’t be surprised if there’s no RSVP request. In Korean culture, confirming attendance is not always expected—many people just show up on the day.
That said, if you're not sure whether you're actually expected to attend, it's polite to respond. A short message like “I’d love to attend. Thank you for inviting me!” goes a long way. If you're close with the person, asking about dress code or details is totally fine.
As soon as you receive the invitation, take note of the important info:
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Location of the venue (often a hotel or a wedding hall)
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Nearest subway station or parking situation
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Start time (arrive at least 15–20 minutes early)
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Whether there’s a reception meal
Make sure to save the invitation image and maybe even pin it on Kakao so you can find it quickly on the day. Don’t rely too much on Google Maps alone—sometimes wedding hall names differ slightly online. Being early gives you time to locate the gift table (where you hand over your cash envelope) and settle into your seat before the ceremony begins.
Dress Code: What to Wear (and What to Avoid!)
Korean weddings follow a more modest and neutral-toned dress code compared to Western weddings. You want to look neat, respectful, and polished—without stealing the spotlight from the bride and groom. Business casual or semi-formal is a safe bet for almost any guest.
For Men:
Men should wear slacks and a button-down shirt at the very least. Adding a blazer is highly recommended, and a tie is optional. Avoid short sleeves unless it’s an outdoor summer wedding. Stick with darker colors like navy, gray, or charcoal. Footwear should be clean and formal—leather dress shoes are best. Avoid sneakers or sandals.
For Women:
Women can wear a midi or knee-length dress, a blouse with a skirt, or a tailored jumpsuit. The key is modesty: no deep necklines, backless styles, or overly short skirts. Avoid white, ivory, or beige, as those colors are traditionally reserved for the bride. Black is acceptable but should be softened with accessories. Pale pastels, muted florals, or jewel tones are all good choices.
Don’t go overboard with sparkly or heavily embellished outfits. You don’t want to look like part of the wedding party. Keep your look elegant and refined.
Shoes & Accessories:
Comfortable heels or clean flats work well. Make sure your shoes are easy to walk in, especially if you’ll be going to a buffet afterward. Bags should be small and structured—clutches or compact crossbodies are ideal. Jewelry should be tasteful and minimal. For men, a nice watch adds a touch of formality.
Hair & Makeup:
Natural and tidy is the way to go. For women, light makeup with soft tones is preferred—nothing too bold or dramatic. For men, clean grooming and a fresh haircut are more than enough. If you're unsure, follow the "better simple than flashy" rule.
What About Hanbok?
Unless you’re a direct family member or the couple has specifically invited you to wear one, it’s best to avoid wearing a hanbok. While hanbok is elegant and culturally rich, it’s traditionally reserved for the parents of the couple or close relatives during weddings. Wearing it as a guest—especially as a foreigner—can sometimes come across as overly formal or may draw unwanted attention. If you're unsure, it's safer to choose a classic semi-formal outfit instead.
How Much to Give? Korean Wedding Cash Gift Rules
Unlike weddings in many Western countries, where you bring a boxed gift or choose something from a registry, Korean weddings follow a strict “cash gift” custom. This is called “chugui-geum” (축의금). You prepare a money envelope and hand it to the reception desk when you arrive at the venue. No physical gifts are expected or welcomed.
How much should you give?
The amount depends on your relationship with the couple:
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Acquaintance or coworker: ₩50,000
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Close friend or longtime colleague: ₩100,000
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Best friend, roommate, or someone important: ₩200,000–₩300,000
Foreigners sometimes worry about giving too little or too much. Here's a simple rule: if you'd grab drinks with them or meet one-on-one, go for ₩100,000. If you barely know them but were invited, ₩50,000 is acceptable. Giving ₩70,000 or ₩150,000 is avoided because odd combinations of bills are seen as bad luck—always stick to clean numbers like 5, 10, or 20만원.
How to prepare the envelope
You can buy a white cash envelope (called “축의금 봉투”) at any convenience store, stationery shop, or even near the venue. Sometimes, blank envelopes are also available at the wedding hall. Write your name neatly on the back—either in Korean or Roman letters—so the couple knows who it’s from. Use crisp, clean bills if possible, and avoid using wrinkled or folded cash, as it may feel careless.
At the venue, look for the gift reception table (접수대) near the entrance. There will usually be a few staff or family members seated behind it. Hand over your envelope with a slight bow and say a polite greeting like “축하합니다” (congratulations). They’ll usually accept it with a nod or smile and hand you a meal ticket if there’s a buffet. There’s no formal guest list to check—just a smooth, simple process to keep things moving.
What Happens at a Korean Wedding Ceremony?
Korean weddings are generally shorter, simpler, and more structured than many Western ones. Don’t expect a long church ceremony or an emotional vow exchange. Most weddings are finished within an hour—and that includes photo time.
Ceremony format
The ceremony usually starts with the groom walking down the aisle with his mother, followed by the bride escorted by her father. A master of ceremonies (MC) or an officiant guides the event, which includes:
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Opening remarks
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A congratulatory speech or performance
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The couple's bow or vow
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Parents' bows
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Closing
It’s not common for the couple to speak personally. You might hear classical music or a live singer perform a ballad. There's rarely a kiss or dance. The vibe is respectful, sometimes formal, but warm.
Photos and buffet
After the ceremony, there may be a group photo session with the couple. Not all guests join—usually just close friends and family. If you're close to the bride or groom, it's a nice gesture to participate. After that, guests head to the buffet or dining area. There’s no assigned seating—just grab an open spot, enjoy your meal, and leave when you’re ready.
No long party after
There’s typically no after-party, no open bar, and no long speeches. Most guests stay only for the ceremony and a meal. If you're close friends, the couple might invite you to a separate small dinner or drinks another day.
Quick Cultural Etiquette Tips for Foreign Guests
Attending a Korean wedding involves more than just wearing the right clothes or bringing cash. It's also about showing the right level of respect and blending in politely. Here are some easy tips to help you stay on good terms with everyone.
1. Be on time (or a bit early)
Weddings in Korea start on time, so try to arrive 10–15 minutes early. It's not super strict, but walking in during the ceremony can feel awkward.
2. Keep your phone silent
Take photos if you’d like, but be discreet. Always set your phone to silent mode. Don’t block anyone’s view or take selfies during the main ceremony.
3. Sit quietly unless asked to move
Seats are usually not assigned. You can sit anywhere that’s open, but don’t go too far forward unless you’re a close guest. If there are ushers or staff helping, follow their instructions.
4. Don’t make it about you
It’s great to look nice, but don’t overdress or behave in a way that attracts attention. This day is about the couple—not you. Avoid flashy behavior or loud conversations, especially during the ceremony.
5. Say a polite hello and goodbye
When you see the couple or their parents, a simple bow and "축하합니다" (chukhahamnida, “congratulations”) is enough. You don’t need to say much unless they approach you. On the way out, you can quietly slip away after the buffet unless someone asks you to stay.
FAQ: Foreigner Questions You’re Too Afraid to Ask
Q1. Can I bring a plus one if the invitation doesn’t mention it?
Yes, it’s usually okay—especially if it’s your partner or a close friend. Korean weddings are quite flexible, and many guests bring someone along even if it’s not clearly stated. Just make sure to adjust your cash gift to reflect the number of people attending. That way, you’re covering the cost of the meal and showing proper respect.
Q2. What if I can’t attend? Do I still need to send money?
No, you don’t have to send money if you're not attending—unless the person is a very close friend or coworker, and you're missing it due to unavoidable reasons. In such cases, sending a cash gift with a short apology message is a nice gesture, but not a requirement.
Q3. Should I take off my shoes when I enter?
At most Korean weddings, no 😁—venues like halls and hotels are just like anywhere else, and you keep your shoes on. But if the wedding is held at a traditional location like a hanok (Korean house) or cultural center, you might be asked to remove your shoes before entering. If you're unsure, just follow what others do.
Q4. Is it rude to leave right after the meal?
Not at all. It’s completely normal to leave after eating. Many guests attend just the ceremony, have a quick meal, say congrats, and quietly exit. Unless you’re part of the wedding party or a close family member, no one expects you to stay longer.
Q5. What should I do if I don’t speak Korean?
Don’t worry. Most weddings are easy to navigate even without speaking Korean. Signs for “reception,” “buffet,” and “photo” are often in English too. Just follow others’ lead, smile, bow, and say “chukhahamnida” (congratulations). A little effort goes a long way.
Q6. Is it okay to take photos or videos during the ceremony?
Yes, but do it quietly and respectfully. Avoid standing in the aisle or blocking others. Use your phone discreetly, and don’t post anything too personal online without permission. Group photos are usually handled by a professional photographer.
Q7. Can I wear traditional clothing from my own culture?
That’s a great question—and it depends. If your attire is formal, elegant, and respectful, it’s usually fine. For example, wearing a sari, qipao, or suit from your country may be admired. But avoid anything too festive, colorful, or costume-like that could distract from the wedding itself.
Attending a Korean wedding as a foreign guest doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation and awareness, you’ll not only avoid awkward moments—you’ll genuinely enjoy the experience. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, every wedding offers a glimpse into Korean culture, family, and tradition. So put on your best outfit, prep that crisp envelope, and get ready to celebrate with confidence. And hey—don’t forget to hit the buffet!
