Seoul offers up to 3 million won for couples' first wedding at new venues

Seoul City is launching a new initiative to make weddings more accessible and picturesque by offering financial incentives for couples to utilize the city's unique venues. The "More Beautiful Wedding" program aims to support couples by covering costs associated with holding their ceremonies at distinctive locations across the capital.

Selected couples can receive up to 3 million won (approximately $2,150) to cover venue setup expenses for their first event at newly available locations. Additionally, five couples will be chosen to receive up to 1 million won (approximately $715) each for wedding photography sessions at these sites. This initiative is designed to encourage the use of spaces that have not yet hosted weddings, thereby increasing their visibility and appeal.

Applications for the program are open from June 26 to July 8. Couples must have already booked a "More Beautiful Wedding" venue to be eligible. The program has seen growing interest, with the number of booked weddings increasing from 75 in 2023 to a projected 548 in 2026. The city plans to expand the wedding venue offerings and photography locations based on the success of this pilot phase.

This initiative underscores Seoul's commitment to supporting citizens' life events and promoting the use of public spaces for personal celebrations. By reducing the financial burden and offering unique settings, the city hopes to facilitate more memorable and beautiful wedding experiences for its residents.