Korean Wedding Ceremony in America

What's it All About?

As a white American marrying into a Korean family, it was my duty and privilege to learn about and participate in several Korean wedding traditions. Unfortunately for me, there were so few online resources available in English. I thus became a veritable marionette in the process, not quite knowing what to do or how to do it, only to follow the directions given me in a mix of Korean-English or "Konglish" and to do so as gracefully as possible.

Based on the Korean-American weddings I have attended, the aspect of the traditional Korean wedding which seems to be observed most frequently is the Pyebaek, pronounced "Peh-beck." The Pyebaek is considered more of a private affair in which the groom's family officially welcomes the bride into their family. It would take place after the public wedding ceremony, in the home of the groom's parents, with whom the newly wedded couple would be spending their first night as a married couple. Although the bride's family may not be formally invited to this ceremony in Korea, typically in America, the bride's family will be present. (Sorry to my family whom I confused and told you that you didn't need to be there....).

The bride and groom are vested in many-layered silken Hanboks, with elaborate crowns atop their heads. The rich layers of fabric are a nod to history, when Korean common people would typically wear all white, except for their wedding day when they would wear the lush colors of royalty. In order to attach the headpieces, several hands are usually necessary, especially for the bride. Be sure to equip yourself with lots of bobbie pins or the crown will surely fall off your head!

The setting for the Peh-beck may be a living room area, preferably with some nice soft carpet (you'll see why :). The bride and groom sit together in front of a table of many Korean delicacies stacked in beautiful arrangements, including figs and chestnuts. Also present on the table will be a pair of wooden geese or ducks, symbols of fidelity since these birds are known to mate for ilfe.