Supporting interracial marriage: Korean men to receive 1mill won for interracial weddings
Due to the increase in interracial marriages and the high rates of divorce pegged on lack of mutual understanding, come October, Korean men planning to marry foreign women will be able to attend a program to learn about interracial marriage before tying the knot.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) this program is geared towards assisting married immigrants live in Korea as members of society, not as foreigners. It will largely compare and contrast successful and failed marriages.
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"The Ministry of Gender Equality offers similar programs in cooperation with local governments. Our program is specialized for bridegrooms-to-be, because we thought they need educating the most," said Lee Soon-deok of the Women and Family Affairs (WFA).
Since most people are usually reluctant to attend such programs, the men will receive 1 million won ($820) in financial aid for their interracial wedding as an incentive upon completion of the 20-hour course. The city will also offer Korean language lessons and job training courses for married immigrants to help them get jobs. Postpartum care and subsidies for babysitters will also be provided to immigrant women delivering babies.
Now what more can a married immigrant ask for besides being helped to adapt in a foreign country both financially and sorting out the language barrier issue? Kudos Seoul. Wish more countries could be this supportive of interracial marriage.
27 responses to "Supporting interracial marriage: Korean men to receive 1mill won for interracial weddings"
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wildone2009 says:Posted: 30 Oct 09
It is interesting that the picture above is of a white woman and a Korean guy, which only make up a small fraction of white / Korean interracial marriages. The picture should be a picture of a Vietnamese or Philippino mail order bride and a Korean guy. Mail order brides make up more than 90 percent of Korean "international marriages". It's such a disgrace that the Korean government is sponsoring the whole mail order bride thing at the same time trying to put a positive image on it by using a photo of a white women and a Korean guy. I've seen this all before when I studied Korean at language schools in Korea. They always use a picture of a white female and a Korean male, even though the reverse is true. I guess it's Korean style Confucian, chump pride. This is why most people with two brain cells to rub together do not take Korea seriously, and Korea's image is lower than that of some former eastern European countries. At least the government of Taiwan has done the right thing by taking steps to curb mail order marriages (international marriages in Korea). Of course if a foreign guy marries a Korean woman, he is "stealing 'thier' women".
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smiletellit says:Posted: 06 Sep 09Wow, that's pretty progressive for what we know of Korea. Most Asian countries have not been known for their acceptance of interracial pairings. This is great. Classes would be a good idea for U.S. with no pay to participants though. With our racial history, a program to support and encourage healthy marriages and an appreciation of interracial marriage would be great. Of course, U.S. doesn't need to encourage immigrant interracial marriages, and since Korea wants to encourage it, explains the need for the program. Could also strengthen their social and genetic structure to mix in new and diverse blood. Kudos to Korea. Worked for U.S.
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Luna.Bean. says:Posted: 03 Sep 09It seems the awareness is spreading a different manner. I think this is an ideal, that would soon be countered. Let's hope for the best.
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takinitall says:Posted: 03 Sep 09@ Hisglory Wow thanks for the insight and clarification. So I guess, when they do the conversion it's even less than the amount needed to pay rent. Is 1 million won enough incentive for the Koreans to take the chance? I know here in the states how it can be uncomfortable to get stares when dating interracially, I can only imagine how awkward it could be in Korea. Do you think that the Koreans who take the plunge would be ostracized in their culture?
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hisglory says:Posted: 01 Sep 09
Hello Everyone, I must say that this is the first time that I have actually posted something on a blog in reference to a conversation. But I must put in my two scents. Let me first say that I am an African American woman, PhD living in S. Korea. I can't begin to tell you the stares/gawks, that I get when walking down the street. Yonnick is correct in stating that Korean society is homogeneous, in that they are not used to seeing foreigner...white, black or otherwise in person. In addition, any ideas that most have come from what is portrayed on television….which is not always a good thing. Now, on to the Korean men and black woman comments: I must admit, to my sista's reading this post, that Korean men are indeed "fiiiiine". (Okay, okay, I have said it). It is more than the looks, it is all about how I have seen the younger generation treat their wives...(25 - 35). However, on the flip side, there are a lot of 'love motels' for the men to see their 'mistress' on the side as well. Okay, what is my point with this post...the point is, if the Korean government is willing to pay 1 Million Won...***takinitall*** not dollars (smile), then I think it’s great. However, they should support cultural events on television that presents a more realistic view of any culture so that those Korean who do stare, gawk, or even gasp for their breath, don't pass out when they see a foreigner standing next to them on the elevator.
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georgeW1001 says:Posted: 31 Aug 09
This is obviously a start in the right direction for Korea, I'm all for encouraging different cultures to learn(more indepthly) about each other before marriage. But again, I think it's inevitable.Also, I think the amount is $820 not a $1Million.
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NOPLAYER says:Posted: 26 Aug 09
@ Whurr - you're on point, where else but Koerea can you get quality tailor made suits that cheap. I hate that I never did a tour over there while I was in the army but maybe it was a blessing in disguise. I knew a few guys that did a year long tour over there and came back with everything under the sun but not a dime in their pockets.
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takinitall says:Posted: 26 Aug 09
Thanks Whurr for sharing with me. Wow $2500 is alot for a 2bd apartment! Think about it if someone paid that for 30 years, that would be $900000 that only leaves $100000 for incidentals. A million dollars will only cover the housing needs of the family which is a big expense, so maybe they can buy a home to save on the monthly rent. Facinating!
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Enigma64 says:Posted: 26 Aug 09Whurr, I love your sardonic sense of humor. I know that $2500 is a dent in your pocket, but aren't your kids worth it? Still I feel your pain, and I'm sure that $800 would be a significant chip off of that. Yoonnick, I didn't see that comment about looking the same as being racial at all. I thought it meant conformity, like in students that have to wear uniforms - they all look the same. Whurr found it boring because everyone looked and talked the same, and I agree. I just got through commenting on another blog to a female who seemed to have an attitude with black women who choose to wear weave. Her thing was that she is into going all natural and apparently thinks that anyone who isn't just isn't black enough or wants to be white and disown their "blackness." It was the most asinine ideology, and since I am so sick of hearing the proponents of the 'natural' look making these sorts of derogatory comments against women who don't choose to go natural, I had to respond. Being that I can do both natural and "unnatural" at my whim, and frequently like to change it up and sport a variety of different looks as occasion or outfit requires, I had to let her know that some people are just a bit more creatively expressive than others, and that I personally get bored with looking the same all the time. I also informed her that it appears to be a statement of insecurity, that the pro-naturalists always have to dis those who chose to drift towards more variety in their choices in hair style and color. Variety puts the spice in life, and if she is comfortable with one boring look, why should she be angry (which she was) at women who like more variety in their appearance? As to this, Whurr: "OK….no more intelligent posts…its all lies I tell you! I need to get back into my sophomoric state of mind before women figure me out." I figured you out from your profile which is why I had to raise a cup to you, because you actually said something a bit different. It wasn't the typical boring drivel that most say...you know about having "above average looks" and so forth. That cracks me up. Just openly display your vanity for all to see. Tell the world you are "me" centered instead of "other" centered. It will most assuredly be the thing that draws the opposite sex to you! Right. Peace and blessings.
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whurr says:Posted: 24 Aug 09TAKINITALL Housing was expensive, food was typical, electronics were abundantly cheap. I originally was put up in a hotel that was riculously priced, then the Staff Sgt in charge of media relations for me told me to shack up at her place. NICE! She said that the 2 br apartment was equivalent of 2500 a month (major city, decent area). Once you eliminate cost of car (ins, monthly payment, and gas) you are looking at some savings. There was a lot of money to be made if you knew how to play the currency game well enough. I am a math savant (reason I was there) so I had the business men in the mall spinning circles. I negotiated things like a Canon zoom lens (EBAY $600 ..paid $225), 3 tailored handmade suits - $150 each, and a variety of other electronics. I think the short answer is that its all relative to what your needs are in life, outside of the basic needs.
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whurr says:Posted: 23 Aug 09
Yoonnick, the 'look the same' comment wasn't a physical feature thing. It was in general appearance, pertaining to style of dress and culture. In the schools, they all looked the same because their were a codes of dress for the students and for the teachers. It happens in schools here when we do the mandatory uniform. As to caucasians looking different... When my 82 camaro was 'raped' in Richmond Hill, NY, the lil gangstas ran away with bits and pieces of my car. There was a witness, a Pakistani tenant who lived in the basement. When I heard I was privy to her questioning by police, she told the officer that she 'couldn't give a good description because all white people look alike'. DAYUMMMM.... that hurt! As far as the the 'plain-vanilla' comment, Korea is trying to shake that. Take that for what it is. I am looking at it from an outsider and basing it on countless conversations with the people there. My time was spent documenting things from my eyes and 'others' conversations. I was being paid to interpret a problem and that I did. I hate sounding all 'edumakashunal'...can I get back to being sophomoric and facetious? I don't do well with the professorial, pompous azz role. Dr. Whurr just doesn't sound right! Thanks
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miri2008 says:Posted: 23 Aug 09
Yoonick, My own experience with Korean culture is just having a couple of Korean friends and seeing many current day and historical Korean dramas. I really enjoy Korean dramas because I appreciate the thoroughness and detail with which the story tellers map out the plot and build the characters. The other thing I noticed in the historical dramas especially is that there is the re-curring theme of Koreans having to fight very hard to preserve their culture and way of life as both Chinese and Japanese sought repeatedly throughout history to conquer and dominate Koreans. With such strong nationalistic ties, I'm not surprised that Korean people would resist intermarrying with any non-Koreans. I've actually read accounts where Korean marriages to Japanese or Chinese people were viewed by the Koreans as interracial marriages.
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takinitall says:Posted: 23 Aug 09
a whiteandprd As usual you are so intelligent you are misinterpreting my response. I understand how much you are in love with me and look forward to any opportunity to attack me. I'm not accusing Koreans of being racist, I am simply asking a question. Based on conversations I have had with Korean and other Asian friends, status is gained by some for marrying a White American. Why do you allways hrow out the race card, to make up for your own inadequacies? Nevertheless, this is will be my only response to you on this blog. @ Yoonick and Whurr Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us. Is it true that the cost of living is higher in Korea than here in the states? If so a million dollars may not be worth as much.
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Yoonnick says:Posted: 22 Aug 09Actually Whurr, in Korea, people don't look the same. That's like saying, all Caucasians look the same. No variation. Yes, majority of Koreans speak the same language but it's like that here as well. That's their native tongue. We all generally speak English. Homogeneous places still exist. Doesn't mean it's vanilla or boring for that matter.
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Shotgun007 says:Posted: 21 Aug 09
I only asked for clarity in your initial post to gain a better understanding of your statement, no offense taken.. at least not from me. My interest comes from wanting to hear other perspectives from different cultures. It appears this website/blog articles often times will find its way back to linking the issue to white or black. Thats all... Take Care!!
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whurr says:Posted: 21 Aug 09
I was in Korea 2 years ago to do a government study regarding comparative analysis of the Korean elementary schools vs. the American Seoul military school. (highest performing in Dept of Def) The culture was an academic society vs. our materialistic society. The schools were awesome and the kids were quasi-intelligent. It helps that they tutor for 2-3 hrs a day before the sports activities and that Grandma is generally living in the house. I found it boring because everybody looked the same, acted the same, walked and talked the same. I will take the multi-cultural melting pot called U.S.A. anytime. I can understand the country trying to shake an image of 'plain-vanilla'. OK....no more intelligent posts...its all lies I tell you! I need to get back into my sophomoric state of mind before women figure me out.
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Yoonnick says:Posted: 19 Aug 09
All I meant was that Korea, despite how progressive the culture has been getting, still is very homogeneous. I don't want to go as far as to generalize that Koreans in Korea tend to be racist but they're still trying to adapt to seeing non-Korean faces. I mean, I understand that this is the 21st century, there are plenty of non-Koreans living in the country, aside from GI's and tourists, but it isn't enough to make a vast difference in people's age-old, conventional thoughts. Let alone, have Koreans as a whole be embracive of interracial marriage. There are still a lot of backwards thinking in spite that the government are making efforts to reverse that. I meant no offense in my initial post.
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whurr says:Posted: 19 Aug 09
Am I eligible for that $800 prize for an interracial divorce. How about as partial payment to that $2500 a month interracial child support? Dang, toss me that $800.
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Only1Kim says:Posted: 18 Aug 09
Takinitall: My thoughts exactly. Yoonnick: Yeah, what's up with that response?
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whiteanproud says:Posted: 18 Aug 09
What difference does it make what color they are, now the Koreans are racists as well... Unbelievable. Why don't you go do a head count on how many Blacks and Latinos are in Korea?
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WiseChoice says:Posted: 17 Aug 09
I LOVE the idea, of interracial relationship coaching! I Think it's absolutely GREAT, and should be expanded upon. Do anything possible, to help increase the success-rate of interracial unions! If monetary assistance is an effective catalyst then expand on that aspect too! If it causes men and women to look beyond racial parameters in pursuing marital bliss,.. If it helps improve life it's good! If it helps improve marriage, it's good! However,.. it would be even BETTER if other countries adopted similar strategies. Perhaps marriage in the United States would also benefit in meaningful ways! However,.. I personally would not even consider marrying any one but a Black Woman! No offense intended, to any other group! It's just my own personal preference. And I honestly don't care if somebody actually DID offer me a million bucks. I would not even be TEMPTED to look cross-eyed (at anybody BUT) a Black Queen!! I'm so-totally spoiled!!! No woman but a BLACK woman can turn my head! Period! Me and my Lady can EARN a million bucks,($$$) just by sticking together and loving each other. We won't need a government hand-out;... We'll just use our brains, talents and God's grace. I'm all about a BLACK WOMAN and NOBODY ELSE will ever do,..for me in this lifetime!!! So they could KEEP their money;.... Just give me a lady who wants to be treated right. Let me love, respect, honor and adore my "Lady-Of-Choice"... My loving Black Queen!!! ....
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Shotgun007 says:Posted: 14 Aug 09
To: Yoonnick, I'm curious why you made the statement above. Care to elaborate? Do you think it's a good thing or a bad thing?
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takinitall says:Posted: 14 Aug 09
I wonder if they still get the million if they marry a black or latino woman? Does anyone know anything about this deal. I find it quite interesting.
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Yoonnick says:Posted: 13 Aug 09
Can't believe Korea out of all places is implementing such an action.
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NOPLAYER says:Posted: 12 Aug 09
I think it will take alot more than a 20-hour course but every little bit helps. Unless people really, I mean really take the time to not only get to know but understand eachother, divorce lawyers will be gainfully employeed for sometime to come.
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nandi says:Posted: 12 Aug 09Although, I do not think we need a program like this here, especially with tax payers dollars being spend for it...However,I think what they are doing in Korea is great! I think the biggest issues perhaps in their divorce rates are that people have to accept and understand that when you marry outside your cultural base. The other person might view and interpret things differently and that is okay, you don't have to think alike you just have to able to think together.
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