"Time to get married"

[leporello]

Food for thought: Korea doesn't have much of a social safety net for old people.  Families depend on their children and maybe grandchildren to ensure that they can live comfortably in their old age. 

Not getting married here puts you in the position of being alone and penniless when you are old and infirm.

Also, many Korean families have intergenerational responsibilities such as caring for the ancestral tomb.  Choosing not to have children means you are abandoning the family that came before you in some respects.

Yeah, that's it in a nutshell...It's the safety net aspect of marriage that's so important here....

[markanthonycruz]

I'm 31 and have been married for 6 years. I have to say it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made.  In my opinion being married makes my life experiences more rich.  My wife is my best friend, helper, and my love.  I've grown into a better person, and have become stronger and braver when facing life's challenges because of her encouragement and support.  I'd say you should get married when you have found your best friend, that's the only way a marriage works for the benefit of both you and your spouse.

[dtninja831]

Well my thoughts on this will probably different than many of yours.  Korean women usually get married around the age of 28.  I think this is the average and about when most Korean parents want their daughters to get married.  Now again, I am not saying all Koreans get married at this age.  But it is an appropriate age given the cultural tradition.  I think it slowly changing with the bringing of western influence and culture to Korea.

Again, my thoughts are just from my knowledge personally so I don't know because I'm not married.  But I'm in a relationship with a Korean woman so I am beginning to understand our cultural differences . 

Hope this was helpful

[MalcolmR]

I've had the same experience as the OP ever since I came here. Actually, on my first day at school, the principal asked me three questions. He had the secretary interpret for me.

1. How old are you? -26/28
2. Are you married? -no
3. When will you get married? -umm...

The third question was a little shocking for me, but it really shows the difference between the Korean and Western views of marriage. In Korea, you get married according to a schedule. You approach a certain age and then you look for someone to marry as soon as possible. It's even common for people to get married who have known each other for less than a year. Personally, this system doesn't appeal to me at all, but this is probably because I was raised in a different culture.

[bapagi]

Wow!  Some interesting replies.
I especially enjoyed reading the responses from the people who have gotten married here and feel good about how the bond has improved their life.  That's nice to hear.
I wasn't being racist by saying "Especially in Korea."  That was more a comment on the motives for marriage and the way it is viewed in Korean culture. In fact, I find Korean women attractive and fun on the whole, but the way marriage is perceived here just cheapens it for me (as others have said).
The excessive family obligations and the lack of financial freedom and the whole businesslike approach just isn't my cup of tea.  BUT, it was nice to hear that it has worked out for some people.  Maybe its just a more honest approach...I don't know.

[sunshinefiasco]

One thing to remember is that it wasn't so long ago that people got married for financial/societal-pressure/companionship reasons in the Western world either. I'm not saying it's the greatest way to do it, but not everyone finds their dream person-- some people find a teammate or a whatever else. There's something to be said for having someone in the house, and it does seem to prevent having a lot of lonely, socially awkward middle aged people running around.

[SpaceRook]

There's something to be said for having someone in the house, and it does seem to prevent having a lot of lonely, socially awkward middle aged people running around.

There is nothing lonelier than being in a bad relationship.

[sunshinefiasco]

Not talking about bad relationships. Talking about -meh, this okay i guess- relationships.

[ssamo]

Uh... does that mean you want to get married if it sounds good???  I don't really know what you're talking about... but if you're interested in meeting people your age... solicit your students to give you any one they know (family related) that is your age and single... LOL  i did that as a joke with my students... but it really works....