You must have heard “June bride” before. But how about “May bride”?
Whereas June is the most popular month to tie the knot in the Western culture, May has historically been the most desired month to get married in Korean culture. Every year in May, wedding halls in Seoul are fully booked, and Incheon Airport is busy with newlyweds on their honeymoons.
Although there is no historical record that explains Koreans’ favoritism towards May for marriage, many people explain that nice spring weather in Korea makes May the perfect month for marriage. Also, spring conveys the image of new life and fertility. Such an association allows people to express their wish for fertility by getting married in May. Brides have their own, more practical reason to prefer May. Not only are spring wedding dresses lighter, but make-up also stays the prettiest during the spring season with less sweat to smudge the make-up.
Many Korean celebrity couples verify Koreans’ favoring of May for marriage. A-list actor and actress couple, Won Bin and Lee Na Young were married on May 30, 2015. Another actor and actress couple, Ahn Jae Hyun and Gu Hye Sun, also recently confirmed that they are planning to marry this May.
By Heewon Kim
