Why Do Koreans Live With Their Parents Until Marriage?

Quick Summary

• In many Western cultures, moving out is considered a rite of passage into adulthood. But in Korea, it’s more common for people to live at home until they get married.
• If both the parents and the kids live in the same city, this is especially true.
• Mostly, Koreans going to college far away from their hometown get to live alone before marriage.

I’m Korean, and I moved out when I was 18.

But it wasn’t about being independent. It was simply because I had to.

I grew up in Changwon, near Busan, about a five-hour drive from Seoul.

When I got into a university too far to commute from home, I had no choice but to live in a dorm or a small studio.

My parents still covered everything like tuition, rent, and daily expenses. That’s totally normal in South Korea.

I didn’t become financially independent until I got a job at 23.

A 2025 study by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, reported by Magazine Hankyung, found that over 60% of young Koreans believe parents should support their kids until they’re financially independent.

Most of my friends lived with their parents until they got married in their 30s. That’s actually the norm.

It’s Not About Being Spoiled

First things first.

Living with your parents in Korea doesn’t have the same social stigma it might have in places like the US, Canada, or Europe.

In Western countries, there’s a strong cultural emphasis on independence. The idea of becoming an adult means getting your own place, paying your own bills, and doing your own laundry.

But in Korea, living at home can be totally normal and practical.

For many, it’s a financially smart move and a culturally expected one.

Honestly, getting my own place felt more like being spoiled because my parents paid for everything until I landed a full-time job after college.

Housing Is Expensive

This might be obvious, but Korea’s housing market is intense, especially in cities like Seoul.

Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, costs can be sky-high.

Korea’s unique rental system, Jeonse (전세), often requires tenants to put down huge lump-sum deposits (averaging around $438,340 for an apartment or $146,113 for a small studio called an officetel).

Even monthly rent or wolse (월세) can get expensive fast, especially for those just starting their careers. The security deposit alone is much higher than in the U.S., typically starting at $7,308 to $14,617.

People can stay at affordable goshiwon, but it’s not designed for long-term living.

So for young adults, living at home while working or saving up is the most realistic option for survival.

I exhale deeply in my tiny studio apartment in Seoul. I found an affordable place because I’m paying rent for the first time in my life. At least I slept well last night. No noise from people fighting outside at 3 AM. There’s a pojangmacha (covered wagon) tavern in front of my window. It happens from time to time.

In my book, “A Korean Girl Explains“

Family Is Everything

Another reason? Korea is still a traditional society with, one might say, Confucian values.

Korean culture emphasizes family and filial piety, which means that children are expected to take care of their parents, and vice versa.

Parents often want their children to stay close, not because they’re controlling (or maybe they ARE a little bit), but because they genuinely enjoy living together and want to provide support.

Living under the same roof is a way to stay connected and help each other out.

We Don’t Like to Have Roommates

In many Western countries, young adults move out and live with roommates to share expenses.

I had roommates while living in the States and got to enjoy the full experience, while many of my Korean friends preferred living alone in studios or fancy mansions.

In Korea, living with non-family roommates is pretty rare.

Co-living arrangements are slowly becoming more popular. But then, even couples rarely move in together before marriage.

So for many Koreans, it’s either live with your parents or live alone (and pay a lot).

Most people opt for the first choice until marriage comes into the picture.

Marriage Means Moving Out

In Korea, moving out is often tied to marriage.

Once you’re married, it’s expected that you and your spouse will have your own place.

Traditionally, the groom’s family is responsible for providing a home for the newlyweds, though this has become more flexible lately.

But until then? Living with your parents is expected in most families.

But Times Are Changing… Very Slowly

Of course, not every Korean adult lives with their parents.

With rising individualism and Western influences, more young people are choosing to move out early.

Especially those who want more privacy, and freedom, or want to live far from their hometown.

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So if you meet a Korean in their 20s or 30s still living with their parents, don’t assume they’re dependent or immature. (Though honestly, some might not know how to cook or do laundry. Just saying.)

Chances are, they’re making a culturally normal, financially smart, and family-oriented choice.

In Korea, moving out isn’t about proving your independence. It’s about starting the next chapter of life with a spouse by your side.