Hypergamy and Cross Border Marriages in South Korea: An Examination of Factors Influencing Flows of Migrant Brides and Grooms from Developing Countries
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Abstract
This study investigates whether cross-border marriages in South Korea follow the logic of hypergamy. It examines whether the factors that affect the number of brides from developing countries also hold true for grooms using a panel regression analysis based on a modified gravity model and macro-national data from 1999-2012. Results show the model accounting for 54% of the variation in the number of foreign brides and 42% of the variation in the number of foreign grooms. In the case of foreign brides, five (5) out of seven (7) variables were statistically significant. The share of women in the population and gender inequality were found to be significant and positive predictors. In the case of foreign grooms, only three (3) out of seven (7) variables were statistically significant. There is limited evidence that marriages involving brides from developing countries are consistent with expectations of hypergamy. There is very limited and weak evidence that marriages involving foreign grooms also follow this trend.
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