Korea’s divorce rate nearly quintupled between 1980 and 2004 (from 0.6 to 2.9), whereas average divorce rates have remained relatively low for the 25 OECD countries (1.7 to 2.3 between 1980 and 2007). Overall, average divorce rates have more than doubled for 4 Asian economies between 1980 and 2007 (from 0.9 to 2.0)

Another report released by Korea National Statistical Office the (KNSO), divorce rates are rapidly rising for international couples (meaning one Korean spouse and one foreign spouse) living in South Korea. Based on last year’s figures, divorce statistics show some 11,255 international couples divorced in 2008, representing a 29.8 percent increase from 2007 compared to a 7.5 percent increase for Koreans and their Korean spouses over the same period.

General Validity of Divorce

The general validity of divorce shall be governed by one of the following laws in the given order of priority, provided that in cases where a party to the marriage has his/her habitual residence in Korea, the divorce shall be governed by the 「Civil Act」 of the Republic of Korea (Article 39, 「Private International Act」):

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