Introduction
Korea has a rich culture and traditions that are unique to its people. One of the aspects of Korean culture is the practice of changing names after marriage. In this article, we will explore whether Korean girls change their name after marriage.
History of Name Change
The practice of changing names after marriage has been around for a long time in Korea. In the past, it was believed that a woman’s identity was tied to her husband’s family, and by taking his name, she became a part of his family.
Modern Times
In modern times, the practice of changing names after marriage has become less common in Korea. Many women now choose to keep their own name or hyphenate their last name with their husband’s name.
Legal Requirement
In Korea, there is no legal requirement for women to change their name after marriage. It is entirely up to the individual whether they choose to change their name or not.
Societal Pressure
Despite there being no legal requirement, there may still be societal pressure for women to change their name after marriage. This pressure may come from family members or cultural expectations.
Family Name Importance
Family names hold a significant importance in Korean culture. It is believed that by keeping the family name, one maintains their ties to their ancestors and heritage.
Professional Considerations
For women who have established careers or professional reputations under their maiden name, changing their name after marriage may not be practical or desirable.
Alternative Options
In addition to hyphenating last names or keeping one’s maiden name, some couples may choose to create a new last name that combines elements of both spouses’ family names.
Changing Children’s Names
When children are born to a married couple, they are typically given the father’s last name. However, if the mother chooses to keep her maiden name, the children may also take her name as their last name.
International Marriages
In international marriages involving a Korean spouse, the decision to change names after marriage may be influenced by the customs of the other country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether Korean girls change their name after marriage is a personal decision that is influenced by a variety of factors. While the practice has historical and cultural significance, it is not a legal requirement in modern times. Women now have more options than ever before when it comes to choosing how they want to be identified after marriage.
References
– Han, K. (2019). Do Korean Women Change Their Last Name After Marriage? The Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/do-korean-women-change-their-last-name-after-marriage/
– Kim, J. (2020). Korean Women and Marriage: What You Need to Know. 90 Day Korean. https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-women-and-marriage/
– Lee, J. (2019). To change or not change names after marriage? Korea Times. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/03/177_265277.html
Is it still illegal to marry someone with the same last name in Korea?
In Korea, it is traditional for a child to inherit their father’s surname. There are rules that forbid marriage between men and women who share the same surname and ancestral home, known as dongseong dongbon.
Do girls change their last name after marriage?
In the United States, a majority of women (around 70%) take their husband’s last name after getting married, based on a recent analysis of data.
Is it common in Korea to change your name?
Koreans change their names for various reasons, but most commonly because they dislike their name. Some individuals may have been given a name that they found to be embarrassing, and therefore choose to legally change it to avoid being ridiculed. This is a common occurrence in Korea.
Can Kim marry Kim in Korea?
For a lengthy period, there existed a law that prohibited individuals with the same surname and ancestral paternal background from getting married. In 1997, South Korea’s Constitutional Court declared the law unconstitutional and, in 2005, the civil code was changed to only prohibit marriage between closely related individuals.
Why don t koreans take their husbands last name?
In traditional Korean society, which was patriarchal, family values were highly valued, and people were very aware of their own family identities. Women in Korea keep their surnames after getting married due to a belief that their name is a part of their inheritance from their parents and ancestors which should not be altered.
Does the wife take the husband’s last name in Japan?
In Japan, it is legally required for married couples to have the same surname, which can either be the husband’s or the wife’s. This is a unique requirement as no other country mandates this for married couples.
Changing Attitudes
As Korean society becomes more modern and diverse, attitudes towards name change after marriage are also changing. Younger generations are more likely to prioritize personal identity and career aspirations over traditional cultural expectations.
Gender Equality
The practice of changing names after marriage has been criticized for perpetuating gender inequality, as it reinforces the idea that a woman’s identity is subsumed by her husband’s. Many people argue that women should have the same right to keep their own name as men do.
Legal Implications
While there is no legal requirement in Korea for women to change their name after marriage, there may be legal implications if they choose not to. For example, if a woman chooses to keep her maiden name after marriage, she may encounter difficulties when trying to open a bank account or obtain official documents.
Global Trends
The practice of changing names after marriage is not unique to Korea and is seen in many cultures around the world. However, there is a growing trend towards women keeping their own name or hyphenating their last name with their spouse’s name. This trend reflects a greater emphasis on gender equality and personal identity.
Conclusion
The decision on whether to change one’s name after marriage is a personal one that involves a range of factors, including cultural expectations, family traditions, professional considerations, and personal identity. While the practice of changing names after marriage has a long history in Korea, attitudes are shifting towards greater gender equality and individual expression. Ultimately, the choice of whether to change one’s name or not should be respected as a matter of personal preference.