Traditional Korean Wedding – Honrye

Discover the graceful traditions of Korea’s Honrye wedding ceremony, where family, respect, and symbolism come together in a timeless ritual of union.

Photo: A traditional Korean wedding ceremony re-enactment with hanbok and ritual table.

💍Honrye – Korea’s Traditional Wedding Ceremony

👫 What is Honrye?

Honrye is the traditional Korean wedding ritual rooted in Confucian teachings. It emphasizes family unity, social harmony, and the sanctity of marriage through symbolic and formal practices.

🎎 Key Rituals

Paebaek (폐백) – Bowing to groom’s family with jujubes and chestnuts.

Hamhaji (함) – The ceremonial delivery of the wedding box.

Hapgeunrye (합근례) – Vow exchange and shared gourd drink.

🕊️ Symbols of Unity

The wedding includes symbolic items like wild geese (faithfulness), wooden ducks, and knot tying (eternal bond). These objects express harmony, longevity, and devotion in marriage.

👘 Attire and Ceremony

The bride wears colorful hwarot or wonsam, with ornate headpieces and ceremonial makeup. The groom dons traditional robes such as gwanbok. The ceremony is held in hanok settings or gardens with a ritual table of meaningful items.

🌿 Today’s Interpretations

While modern weddings are often Western-style, many couples honor traditional customs through photo ceremonies or reenactments. Honrye remains a popular way to connect with Korean heritage.

💬 Final Thoughts

Honrye is more than a wedding—it’s a cultural performance of values, respect, and family. Its timeless rituals continue to inspire beauty and tradition in modern Korea.