Divorce in South Korea: An Introduction to Demographic Trends, Culture, and Law

This article presents a global overview of divorce-related phenomena as well as insight into the changes that have specifically occurred in South Korea over the past several decades. It aims to inform about the history of family law, the directions of change over time, and the details of the changes that are most relevant to divorcing and divorced families. This article consists of three parts. The first part provides a general overview of divorce trends as well as a detailed description of more specific characteristics of patterns of divorce rates. It explains the driving forces behind these trends as a tool in demonstrating the rapid change being experienced by South Korean families. The next part discusses recent changes in family law that impact divorcing and divorced families, with a focus on innovative and revised laws emphasizing the protection of minor children and gender equality. The last part evaluates the effectiveness of programs that reflect these recent changes. Keypoints for the Family Court Community Coverage of most up-to-date divorce-related demographics and trends in South Korea Overview of the history of family laws and the directions of change over time Summary of family law changes that are specific to divorcing and divorced families Overview and evaluation of program and policies that have reflected the family laws relevant to divorced families