In a bid to alleviate the financial strain on young couples and encourage childbirth, the South Korean government has unveiled plans to transform public museums into wedding venues. The initiative, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok during a gathering of economy-related ministers in Seoul, aims to provide art-centric settings for weddings, potentially fostering a more conducive atmosphere for starting families.
Among the institutions earmarked for this purpose are prominent cultural landmarks such as the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Gwacheon. Additionally, the initiative encompasses a variety of other renowned public museums across the country, as reported by The Korea Times.
While South Korea already boasts over 120 public buildings available for weddings at affordable rates, many couples have eschewed these options due to their perceived lack of romantic allure. Recognizing this, the government's initiative emphasizes venues with outdoor settings and customizable spaces, offering an alternative to traditional wedding halls.
The move comes in response to a concerning trend of declining marriage rates in South Korea, attributed to factors such as rising living costs and stagnant wages. Research conducted by Statistics Korea revealed that financial constraints, particularly the high expenses associated with marriage, were significant deterrents for young adults considering marriage. Against this backdrop, the country's fertility rate, already the lowest in the world, further declined from 0.78 in 2022 to 0.72 in 2023, according to a Reuters report.
By repurposing public museums as wedding venues, the government aims to address these challenges while simultaneously promoting the cultural significance of art and heritage in the fabric of Korean society.