In 2024, the divorce rate in South Korea was 1.8 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants, similar to the previous year. The divorce rate peaked in 2003 at about 3.4 divorces per 1,000 people and has declined since then. Cultural perception of divorce Traditionally, divorce was viewed negatively in South Korea due to the influence of a patriarchal society that valued traditional family structures and roles. However, as more women enter the workforce and women's rights progress, Korean society has seen a greater acceptance of divorce in recent years. Many people now view it as a viable option for those seeking personal happiness. Decline in marriages During the same period, the number of marriages across the nation has decreased. This is especially noticeable due to the changing perception of marriage among South Korean women, who place less importance on marriage than previous generations. A survey identified financial constraints and a decreased desire for marriage as the most important reasons for avoiding marriage.

In 2024, the divorce rate of South Korean men aged 45 to 49 years was 7.2 divorces per 1,000 men, which was the highest figure among all age groups. That year, the divorce rate in South Korea was 1.8 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants.

Korea Number of Divorce: Jeju data was reported at 1,530.000 Case in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,552.000 Case for 2016. Korea Number of Divorce: Jeju data is updated yearly, averaging 1,413.500 Case from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2017, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,177.000 Case in 2003 and a record low of 400.000 Case in 1986. Korea Number of Divorce: Jeju data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Korea. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.G001: Population: Birth, Death and Marriage.

Korea Number of Divorce data was reported at 106,032.000 Case in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 107,328.000 Case for 2016. Korea Number of Divorce data is updated yearly, averaging 62,164.000 Case from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2017, with 48 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 166,617.000 Case in 2003 and a record low of 11,361.000 Case in 1971. Korea Number of Divorce data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Korea. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.G001: Population: Birth, Death and Marriage.

In 2024, the divorce rate in South Korea was highest for marriages of up to nine years length. The divorce rate tends to decrease over the years from there, but again increases for long term marriages of 30+ years.

2.3 (Divorces per 1,000 Population) in 2012.

2.5 (Divorces per 1,000 Population) in 2012.

As of 2023, the divorce rate in China decreased to 2.6 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants. Before 2020, this number had been constantly increasing since 2002. Divorce rate in Asian countries The divorce rate in China soared from around 0.96 divorces per 1,000 people in 2000 to 3.36 divorces in 2019. This is a quite high value compared to the divorce rate of countries in the Asia Pacific region. However, China shares the fate of a growing divorce rate with many other developing countries, while in most developed countries, the number of divorces per 1,000 inhabitants is either stable or falling. For example, the divorce rate in Singapore has been manly stable at 1.9 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants in the last ten years and the divorce rate in South Korea has fallen from 2.5 in 2009 to 1.8 in 2023. In comparison, the U.S. divorce rate has been falling since 1992 from 4.8 divorces per 1,000 people to 2.4 divorces in 2022. Dating scene in China For the younger generations, dating and marriage happens (if at all) at a much later life stage compared to their parents. The fact that China has the highest working hours in the region does not ease the dire situation for singles in China, most of them being employed as professionals or employed in the media sector, where long working hours and high work pressure are quite common.

According to a study conducted in South Korea in 2024, around 45 percent of respondents aged 60 years and older stated that people should avoid divorce. 15.3 percent thought it was fine to divorce if there was a reason for it, while almost 36 percent were neutral on the matter.

2,3 (Divorces per 1,000 Population) in 2012.

2,0 (Divorces per 1,000 Population) in 2012.

2,4 (Divorces per 1,000 Population) in 2012.

2,2 (Divorces per 1,000 Population) in 2012.

In 2016, crude divorce rates were highest in Kazakhstan which was estimated at around three divorces per thousand people. Crude divorce rates were highest in Korea and Australia in year 2000, each amounting to around 2.6 divorces per thousand people.

Number of Divorce: Gangwon data was reported at 3,263.000 Case in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,482.000 Case for 2016. Number of Divorce: Gangwon data is updated yearly, averaging 3,483.000 Case from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2017, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,152.000 Case in 2003 and a record low of 1,066.000 Case in 1984. Number of Divorce: Gangwon data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Korea. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.G001: Population: Birth, Death and Marriage.

In 2024, the average age of divorce for South Korean women was **** years, while for South Korean men it was **** years. The average age at divorce of both female and male South Koreans remained similar compared to the last year.

This statistic shows the opinions on divorce in South Korea in 2018, broken down by gender. In 2018, 43.3 percent of male respondents and 49.3 percent of female respondents stated that divorce is acceptable.

In 2024, the average age at which South Korean women married for the first time was 31.55 years, while for men, it was 33.86 years. The average age of both men and women marrying for the first time in South Korea has steadily increased in recent years. Shifting attitudes towards marriage The number of marriages in South Korea has been consistently declining. While the overall decrease in population may play a role, the most significant factor is the societal shift in the perception of marriage. According to a survey, nearly half of South Koreans consider marriage an option rather than a necessity. Some of the main reasons South Koreans choose to remain unmarried include concerns about raising children, high wedding expenses, and worries about their careers. Demographic implications As more South Koreans choose to marry later in life or not at all, this trend significantly impacts the country's demographic landscape. The declining birth rate and increasing life expectancy present challenges for the country's future, particularly regarding economic productivity and growth.