Attending a wedding in Korea involves specific customs and language. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights needed to prepare for and respectfully participate in a Korean wedding ceremony, focusing on everything from understanding the invitation to offering congratulations and gifts.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 한국식 결혼식 참석 준비하기
Pronunciation: han-guk-sik gyeol-hon-sik cham-seok jun-bi-ha-gi
Meaning: Preparing to attend a Korean-style wedding
Basic Preparation Phrases
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Expression: 청첩장을 받았어요.
Pronunciation: cheong-cheop-jang-eul bad-ass-eo-yo.
Meaning: I received a wedding invitation. -
Expression: 결혼식 날짜가 언제예요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon-sik nal-jja-ga eon-je-ye-yo?
Meaning: When is the wedding date? -
Expression: 결혼식 장소가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon-sik jang-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the wedding venue? -
Expression: 참석 여부를 알려줘야 해요.
Pronunciation: cham-seok yeo-bu-reul al-lyeo-jwo-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I need to RSVP (let them know if I’ll attend). -
Expression: 네, 참석할게요.
Pronunciation: ne, cham-seok-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I will attend. -
Expression: 죄송하지만 참석하기 어려울 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man cham-seok-ha-gi eo-ryeo-ul geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but it seems difficult for me to attend. -
Expression: 누구 결혼식이에요?
Pronunciation: nu-gu gyeol-hon-sik-i-e-yo?
Meaning: Whose wedding is it? -
Expression: 신랑/신부 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: sin-lang/sin-bu i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the groom’s/bride’s name? -
Expression: 결혼식은 몇 시에 시작해요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon-sik-eun myeot si-e si-jak-hae-yo?
Meaning: What time does the wedding ceremony start? -
Expression: 같이 갈 사람 있어요?
Pronunciation: gat-i gal sa-ram iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Is there anyone going with you? / Do you have someone to go with? -
Expression: 어떻게 가야 해요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke ga-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: How should I get there? -
Expression: 주차는 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: ju-cha-neun ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is parking available?
Gift Giving Expressions
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Expression: 축의금을 준비해야 해요.
Pronunciation: chuk-ui-geum-eul jun-bi-hae-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I need to prepare congratulatory money. -
Expression: 축의금은 얼마 정도 내야 하나요?
Pronunciation: chuk-ui-geum-eun eol-ma jeong-do nae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: About how much congratulatory money should I give? -
Expression: 보통 5만원이나 10만원을 내요.
Pronunciation: bo-tong o-man-won-i-na sip-man-won-eul nae-yo.
Meaning: Usually, people give 50,000 won or 100,000 won. -
Expression: 축의금 봉투가 필요해요.
Pronunciation: chuk-ui-geum bong-tu-ga pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need a congratulatory money envelope. -
Expression: 봉투에 이름을 써야 해요.
Pronunciation: bong-tu-e i-reum-eul sseo-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I need to write my name on the envelope. -
Expression: 축 결혼 (祝 結婚)
Pronunciation: chuk gyeol-hon
Meaning: Congratulations on your wedding (Often written on the envelope). -
Expression: 축의금은 어디에 내요?
Pronunciation: chuk-ui-geum-eun eo-di-e nae-yo?
Meaning: Where do I give the congratulatory money? -
Expression: 접수대에서 내면 돼요.
Pronunciation: jeop-su-dae-e-seo nae-myeon dwae-yo.
Meaning: You can give it at the reception desk. -
Expression: 결혼 축하드립니다!
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon chuk-ha-deu-rim-ni-da!
Meaning: Congratulations on your wedding! (Formal) -
Expression: 행복하게 사세요!
Pronunciation: haeng-bok-ha-ge sa-se-yo!
Meaning: Live happily! (A common blessing) -
Expression: 선물 대신 축의금을 내는 것이 일반적이에요.
Pronunciation: seon-mul dae-sin chuk-ui-geum-eul nae-neun geos-i il-ban-jeok-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s common to give congratulatory money instead of a gift. -
Expression: 축의금 내고 식권을 받으세요.
Pronunciation: chuk-ui-geum nae-go sik-gwon-eul bad-eu-se-yo.
Meaning: Give the congratulatory money and receive a meal ticket.
Attire and Etiquette Phrases
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Expression: 결혼식에 뭘 입고 가야 해요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon-sik-e mwol ip-go ga-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: What should I wear to the wedding? -
Expression: 정장을 입는 것이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: jeong-jang-eul im-neun geos-i jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s good to wear a suit (for men) / formal attire. -
Expression: 단정한 옷차림이면 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: dan-jeong-han ot-cha-rim-i-myeon gwaen-chan-a-yo.
Meaning: Neat attire is fine. -
Expression: 흰색 옷은 피하는 것이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: hin-saek os-eun pi-ha-neun geos-i jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s better to avoid wearing white clothes (reserved for the bride). -
Expression: 너무 화려하거나 노출이 심한 옷은 피하세요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu hwa-ryeo-ha-geo-na no-chul-i sim-han os-eun pi-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Avoid clothes that are too flashy or revealing. -
Expression: 결혼식장에 조금 일찍 도착하는 것이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon-sik-jang-e jo-geum il-jjik do-chak-ha-neun geos-i jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s good to arrive a little early at the wedding hall. -
Expression: 신랑/신부 부모님께 인사드려야 해요.
Pronunciation: sin-lang/sin-bu bu-mo-nim-kke in-sa-deu-ryeo-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: You should greet the groom’s/bride’s parents. -
Expression: 식장에서 조용히 해야 해요.
Pronunciation: sik-jang-e-seo jo-yong-hi hae-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: You should be quiet during the ceremony. -
Expression: 사진 촬영할 때 박수 많이 쳐 주세요.
Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong-hal ttae bak-su man-i chyeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please clap a lot during the photo session. -
Expression: 피로연에도 참석할 건가요?
Pronunciation: pi-ro-yeon-e-do cham-seok-hal geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Will you also attend the reception (usually the meal)? -
Expression: 식사는 뷔페식이에요.
Pronunciation: sik-sa-neun bwi-pe-sik-i-e-yo.
Meaning: The meal is buffet style. -
Expression: 친구들과 같이 앉아도 돼요?
Pronunciation: chin-gu-deul-gwa gat-i an-ja-do dwae-yo?
Meaning: Can I sit with my friends?
Korean Culture Notes
Congratulatory Money (축의금 – Chuk-ui-geum): Giving cash in a white envelope is the standard wedding gift in Korea. The amount typically depends on your relationship with the couple, usually starting from 50,000 KRW for acquaintances or colleagues and increasing for closer friends and family. Amounts often follow increments considered lucky (e.g., 50,000, 70,000, 100,000 KRW). Avoid amounts starting with 4, as it’s considered unlucky. Write your name vertically on the back of the envelope.
Appropriate Attire: Guests should dress neatly and formally, but avoid wearing white, as this color is reserved for the bride. Black is acceptable, often paired with a colorful accessory. Very casual wear (like jeans or t-shirts) or overly revealing outfits are generally inappropriate. Men typically wear suits, and women wear dresses, skirts, or smart pantsuits.
Wedding Procedure: Korean weddings are often held in dedicated “wedding halls” and can be quite efficient. Guests arrive, give their congratulatory money at the reception table (distinguishing between the bride’s and groom’s sides), receive a meal ticket, attend the ceremony (which might be relatively short, around 30-60 minutes), take group photos, and then proceed to a separate dining area (often a buffet) for the meal.
Greeting the Families: It’s customary to greet the parents of the bride and groom, who usually stand near the entrance of the hall or reception area to welcome guests. A simple bow and congratulations (축하드립니다 – chuk-ha-deu-rim-ni-da) are appropriate.
Attendance and Meal: Even if you can’t stay for the entire event, attending the main ceremony is important. The meal afterwards is a key part of the celebration and a way for the couple to thank the guests. Using the meal ticket received at the reception is standard practice.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two friends, Minjun (A) and Sarah (B), are discussing preparations for their friend Jiyeon’s upcoming wedding.
Roles:
A: Minjun – Has attended Korean weddings before.
B: Sarah – Attending her first Korean wedding.
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Expression: A: 사라 씨, 지연 씨 청첩장 받았어요?
Pronunciation: sa-ra ssi, ji-yeon ssi cheong-cheop-jang bad-ass-eo-yo?
Meaning: Sarah, did you receive Jiyeon’s wedding invitation? -
Expression: B: 네, 받았어요! 그런데 한국 결혼식은 처음이라 뭘 준비해야 할지 잘 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: ne, bad-ass-eo-yo! geu-reon-de han-guk gyeol-hon-sik-eun cheo-eum-i-ra mwol jun-bi-hae-ya hal-ji jal mo-reu-gess-eo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I did! But it’s my first Korean wedding, so I’m not sure what to prepare. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 일단 축의금을 준비해야 해요. 보통 봉투에 넣어서 내요.
Pronunciation: a, geu-reot-gun-yo. il-dan chuk-ui-geum-eul jun-bi-hae-ya hae-yo. bo-tong bong-tu-e neo-eo-seo nae-yo.
Meaning: Oh, I see. First, you need to prepare congratulatory money. Usually, you put it in an envelope and give it. -
Expression: B: 축의금은 얼마 정도 내면 될까요? 그리고 봉투는 어디서 구해요?
Pronunciation: chuk-ui-geum-eun eol-ma jeong-do nae-myeon doel-kka-yo? geu-ri-go bong-tu-neun eo-di-seo gu-hae-yo?
Meaning: About how much congratulatory money should I give? And where do I get the envelope? -
Expression: A: 지연 씨랑 친하니까 10만원 정도가 적당할 것 같아요. 봉투는 보통 결혼식장 접수대에 준비되어 있거나 문구점에서 살 수 있어요. 봉투 뒤에 이름 쓰는 것 잊지 마세요.
Pronunciation: ji-yeon ssi-rang chin-ha-ni-kka sip-man-won jeong-do-ga jeok-dang-hal geot gat-a-yo. bong-tu-neun bo-tong gyeol-hon-sik-jang jeop-su-dae-e jun-bi-doe-eo iss-geo-na mun-gu-jeom-e-seo sal su iss-eo-yo. bong-tu dwi-e i-reum sseu-neun geot it-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Since you’re close with Jiyeon, about 100,000 won seems appropriate. Envelopes are usually available at the wedding hall reception desk, or you can buy them at a stationery store. Don’t forget to write your name on the back of the envelope. -
Expression: B: 알겠어요. 옷은 뭘 입어야 할까요? 흰색은 안 된다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: al-gess-eo-yo. os-eun mwol ib-eo-ya hal-kka-yo? hin-saek-eun an doen-da-go deur-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Okay. What should I wear? I heard white is not allowed. -
Expression: A: 맞아요. 신부 색깔이니까요. 그냥 단정한 원피스나 정장 스타일이면 괜찮아요. 너무 튀지 않게 입는 게 중요해요.
Pronunciation: maj-a-yo. sin-bu saek-kkal-i-ni-kka-yo. geu-nyang dan-jeong-han won-pi-seu-na jeong-jang seu-ta-il-i-myeon gwaen-chan-a-yo. neo-mu twi-ji an-ke im-neun ge jung-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: That’s right. Because it’s the bride’s color. A neat dress or a suit style is fine. It’s important not to wear something too flashy. -
Expression: B: 고마워요, 민준 씨! 이제 좀 감이 잡히네요. 결혼식장에서 또 주의할 점이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: go-ma-wo-yo, min-jun ssi! i-je jom gam-i jap-hi-ne-yo. gyeol-hon-sik-jang-e-seo tto ju-ui-hal jeom-i iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Thanks, Minjun! I think I’m getting the hang of it now. Is there anything else I should be careful about at the wedding hall? -
Expression: A: 도착하면 접수대에서 축의금 내고 식권 받으세요. 그리고 신랑 신부 부모님께 인사드리면 좋아요. 식사는 보통 뷔페니까 맛있게 드시면 돼요!
Pronunciation: do-chak-ha-myeon jeop-su-dae-e-seo chuk-ui-geum nae-go sik-gwon bad-eu-se-yo. geu-ri-go sin-lang sin-bu bu-mo-nim-kke in-sa-deu-ri-myeon jo-a-yo. sik-sa-neun bo-tong bwi-pe-ni-kka mas-iss-ge deu-si-myeon dwae-yo!
Meaning: When you arrive, give the congratulatory money at the reception desk and get a meal ticket. And it’s good to greet the groom’s and bride’s parents. The meal is usually a buffet, so just enjoy it!
Practice Tips
Attending a Korean wedding is a wonderful cultural experience! Don’t feel too pressured about getting everything perfect~ The most important thing is to show your genuine congratulations to the couple. Try practicing the congratulatory phrases like 결혼 축하드립니다! (gyeol-hon chuk-ha-deu-rim-ni-da!) and 행복하게 사세요! (haeng-bok-ha-ge sa-se-yo!) out loud. You can also role-play the conversation about preparing 축의금 (chuk-ui-geum) with a friend or language partner. Observing other guests at the wedding will also help you understand the flow and etiquette. Enjoy the celebration! 🎉
