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Korean Wedding Ceremony in America

What's it All About?

By KENDRA STANTON LEE, published Dec 27, 2007
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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.

Korean Wedding Ceremony in America

Author and husband in traditional Korean hanbok

Credit: Kendra Stanton Lee

Copyright: David DJ Kim

Takeaways
  • Traditional Korean wedding garb: Hanbok
  • Bowing to elders nets you cash!
  • Figs equal girls, Chestnuts equal boys
Did You Know?
Traditionally, the Peh-beck symbolizes the welcoming of the bride into the groom's family.
Comments
Comments 1 - 4 of 4
 
 
Sounds very interesting. I think meshing of two culture is a hard thing to do but if it is done properly it can be a beautiful thing... like aluminum alloy... strong as steel and light as aluminum!

Posted on 06/10/2008 at 11:06:59 AM

 
I too am trying to have a Korean wedding ceremony as part of our American wedding ceremony. Do they have step-by-step instructions on how to perform this? I'm Korean, but don't know squat about how things go. Any help would be appreciated. thanks!

Posted on 04/14/2008 at 12:04:58 AM

 
Hello. I also am an American marrying into a Korean family. His family will be flying in for the wedding, which is summer 2009, and we have only begun to plan. Would you be able to tell me some ideas that you had for your wedding? We've considered having some things at the reception such as Samelnori (the music) or fan dancing while we do photos. We're concerned about what his parents will think about a wedding that would be largely American style.

Posted on 03/07/2008 at 12:03:26 AM

 
As a half-korean, my mother forbade me from doing this at my wedding. She didn't want me to go through the same hell as she did ;P

Posted on 01/01/2008 at 10:01:20 PM

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