The Reality of Sexless Marriages in South Korea: A Closer Look
Ms Park’s Experience
- Ms Park, a 43-year-old mother living in Seoul, shares her experience of drifting into a sexless relationship after the birth of her daughter.
- Despite feeling unsatisfied with the lack of sexual intimacy in her marriage, she prioritizes keeping the family together for the sake of their child.
- The sleeping arrangement established after their daughter’s arrival has led to the couple sleeping separately to avoid disrupting each other’s sleep due to differing schedules.
Statistics on Sexless Marriages in South Korea
- A 2016 survey conducted by South Korea’s only sex clinic, the S Clinic in Seoul, revealed that 35.1% of married couples in South Korea were classified as sexless.
- This places South Korea as having the second-highest rate of sexless marriages among the countries surveyed, following Japan at 44.6%.
- Globally, the average rate of sexless marriages stands at 20%.
Perceptions of Marriage
Western vs. South Korean Perspectives
- Professor Lim Choon-hee highlights the differences in how marriage is perceived in Western societies versus South Korea.
- In the West, marriage is often viewed as a union between two individuals based on emotional connection and sexual intimacy.
- In contrast, contemporary South Korean culture places more emphasis on the union between families and materialistic values rather than love or affection.
- This focus on family ties and prioritizing children’s well-being over the couple’s happiness in the relationship contributes to the prevalence of sexless marriages in South Korea.
Expert Insights
- Emeritus Professor Han Seong-yeul explains that in Western countries, the couple is typically the center of the marriage, with a strong emphasis on public displays of affection and maintaining a strong emotional connection.
- In contrast, the traditional family structure in Korea revolves around patriarchal values, where the father and sons play key roles in supporting the family financially.
- This cultural difference in the perception of marriage sheds light on the prevalence of sexless marriages in South Korea.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of sexless marriages in South Korea reflects broader cultural values and perceptions surrounding marriage and family dynamics. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential in addressing the challenges faced by couples like Ms Park and her husband. By exploring the underlying factors contributing to sexless marriages, we can gain insights into the complexities of relationships and family dynamics in different cultural contexts.