Barbara TS#12

When we spoke today, it was the Memorial Day holiday in S. Korea.  Dojun and his girlfriend had spent the day looking for wedding halls because they had both been off all day.  Once again, I couldn’t stop laughing.  Thinking that December would be a non-popular month for weddings, they selected Dec. 2^nd as their first date of choice.  Much to their surprise, they found out that a lot of other couples had the same idea and this day was booked.  Peak season is spring and fall and, of course, the prices are higher so these times were not considered.  It appears that many couples prefer the lower cost times.  We laughed about this because it is not something a couple may think about in advance.  Right now, the two dates of choice are Dec. 16 and 17, a Saturday and a Sunday.  The time will be somewhere between 12:00 – 2:00 or not too early or not too late as Dojun put it.   Their families live in Pasun, which is a 200-mile drive to Seoul so Saturday is the best day.  Dojun and his girlfriend are very thoughtful because the Saturday date gives guests the time to get back home and have Sunday before they have to return to work.  I asked him how the ceremony was conducted and, if I understood correctly, Dojun said that it was officiated by a close friend or family member.  Apparently, these officiants do not have to be licensed like the ones in America.  Not only this, but the couple has up to one year to register.  The ceremony is not related to registration.  He and his girlfriend are looking for a house and will be together.  I asked him about the legalities and he didn’t seem to think they were a problem. It may be that I don’t understand everything. Dojun also told me that his mother called him crying and upset because neither she nor his dad could provide any money to help out with the wedding.  During the recession in the 1990’s, they lost their manufacturing business and don’t have the funds now.  He was so very sympathetic to his mom because she has had a hard time.  I know it was hard for him to think about it but they are very lucky to have such a son.