Korean Wedding Customs: What Do Guests Give and Wear?

Short answer: at a Korean wedding, guests usually give cash in a white envelope rather than a physical gift, and they wear neat, semi-formal clothes – a suit or smart dress – while avoiding white, which is for the bride. The money (chuk-ui-geum, 축의금) is handed in at a reception desk before the ceremony, and in return guests get a meal ticket for the wedding buffet or banquet. Ceremonies are often short, so arriving on time matters more than staying late.

What a modern Korean wedding looks like

Most Korean weddings today take place in dedicated wedding halls, hotels or event venues, often on weekends. A hall may host several weddings in one day, so each ceremony tends to be brief – often well under an hour – followed by a meal for guests. The ceremony is usually Western-style, with the couple in a wedding dress and tuxedo, and an officiant or a respected guest giving a short speech. Friends may sing or perform, and there is a big group photo at the end.

Some couples also hold a short traditional ceremony called pyebaek (폐백) with close family. The couple wears hanbok, bows to the elders and receives blessings. In a well-known custom, parents toss dates and chestnuts that the couple tries to catch in the bride's skirt – a wish for children.

What guests give: cash in an envelope

Why cash?

Cash gifts help the couple cover the cost of the wedding, especially the meal served to every guest. Gift registries are not common. Close friends or family sometimes give a household item instead of or in addition to cash, but for most guests an envelope is the standard.

How much do people give?

There is no fixed rule, and the amount depends on how close you are to the couple and whether you attend and eat the meal. For many years 50,000 won was the classic amount for acquaintances, but recent Korean news reports describe 100,000 won becoming more common for guests who attend, as meal costs have risen. Close friends and relatives often give more. Traditionally, odd amounts such as 30,000, 50,000 or 70,000 won are preferred, while 100,000 won counts as a round, complete number. Amounts with a 4, like 40,000 won, are avoided because the number 4 sounds like the word for death.

How to hand it over

Use a clean white envelope with new or crisp banknotes. Envelopes are easy to find at convenience stores and stationery shops, and some venues have them at the desk.
Write your name on the back, and optionally a short phrase like 축하합니다 ("Congratulations") on the front.
Give it at the reception desk for the groom's side or the bride's side, depending on who invited you, and sign the guest book.
You will usually receive a meal ticket. Keep it for the buffet.

If you cannot attend, it is common to send money through a bank transfer or ask a friend to bring your envelope. Many digital wedding invitations even include the couple's account details for this.

What guests wear

Men: a dark suit, with or without a tie. A smart blazer and trousers also works.
Women: a smart dress, skirt or trouser outfit in calm colours. Knee length or longer is safest.
Avoid: white or cream outfits, very revealing clothes, and casual wear like jeans, sneakers or T-shirts.
Hanbok: guests usually do not wear it; the mothers of the couple traditionally do, often in colours that identify each family.

Etiquette at the ceremony

Arrive 15–20 minutes early so you have time to give your envelope and greet the couple, who often welcome guests before the ceremony. Keep your phone on silent. Photos are usually fine, but follow the photographer's lead. At the meal, it is normal to eat and leave without waiting for the couple to visit your table. When speaking to the couple's parents or older relatives, polite speech matters – our guide to Korean honorifics can help.

A small note from Hana in POPORO CITY: "A warm 'Chukha-hamnida!' means more than a perfect envelope."

Quick tips

Bring a white envelope and crisp banknotes; ATMs do not always give new notes, so plan ahead.
Avoid amounts with a 4 in them.
Do not wear white.
Find the right desk: groom's side (신랑측) or bride's side (신부측).
Say "Gyeolhon chukha-deuryeoyo" (결혼 축하드려요) – "Congratulations on your wedding."

FAQ

Can I bring a wrapped gift instead of money?

You can, but it is unusual for ordinary guests. Cash is the expected gift; close friends sometimes add a present.

Can I bring a plus-one?

Korean weddings are often less strict about guest lists than Western ones, but it is polite to ask first. If you bring someone, consider giving a little more, since each guest's meal has a cost.

Is black clothing okay?

Yes. Black and other dark colours are common at Korean weddings, especially for suits. Just keep the look smart and festive rather than funeral-like.

How long should I stay?

Many guests attend the ceremony, take the group photo, eat and leave – often within about two hours in total.

What is a pyebaek?

A short traditional ceremony where the couple, in hanbok, bows to their parents and elders and receives blessings. Usually only family attends.