Korean Reading Practice

“가격? 할인? 궁금하면 계약부터”…결혼식 예산이 항상 초과되는 이유

📅 December 23, 2025

1Introduction

Wedding planning in Korea often becomes more expensive than couples initially expect due to unclear pricing structures and hidden fees. This reading explores why wedding budgets frequently exceed expectations and examines the challenges couples face when planning their special day. Understanding these industry practices can help future couples make more informed decisions about their wedding expenses.

2Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
예산 ye-san budget 결혼식 예산을 세우는 것이 중요해요.Setting a wedding budget is important.
초과하다 cho-gwa-ha-da to exceed 계획했던 금액을 초과했어요.We exceeded the planned amount.
견적 gyeon-jeok estimate, quote 여러 업체에서 견적을 받아보세요.Get quotes from several companies.
할인 hal-in discount 할인 혜택이 있는지 물어봤어요.I asked if there were any discount benefits.
추가 비용 chu-ga bi-yong additional cost 추가 비용이 많이 발생했어요.Many additional costs occurred.
상담 sang-dam consultation 예식장에서 상담을 받았어요.I had a consultation at the wedding venue.
계약 gye-yak contract 계약서를 꼼꼼히 읽어보세요.Read the contract carefully.
필수 pil-su essential, required 꽃 장식은 필수 항목이에요.Flower decorations are a required item.
공개 gong-gae disclosure, publication 가격 공개가 투명해야 해요.Price disclosure should be transparent.
범위 beom-wi range, scope 가격 범위가 너무 넓어요.The price range is too wide.
합리적 ham-ri-jeok reasonable 합리적인 가격을 찾고 있어요.I’m looking for a reasonable price.
부풀리다 bu-pul-li-da to inflate, exaggerate 가격을 부풀리는 경우가 많아요.There are many cases of inflating prices.

3Reading Text

한국의 많은 예비부부들이 결혼 준비를 하면서 예산 초과 문제를 겪고 있습니다.

Many engaged couples in Korea experience budget overrun issues while preparing for their weddings.

웨딩 업계의 가격 공개 방식이 불투명하여 정확한 비용을 파악하기 어렵습니다.

It is difficult to determine exact costs due to the wedding industry’s unclear pricing disclosure methods.

대부분의 업체들이 ‘최소-최대 가격’ 형태로 넓은 범위를 제시하여 혼란을 가중시킵니다.

Most companies present wide ranges in the form of ‘minimum-maximum prices,’ adding to the confusion.

실제 상담을 받아보면 처음 들었던 가격과 다른 견적을 받는 경우가 빈번합니다.

When receiving actual consultations, it is common to receive quotes different from the initially heard prices.

많은 항목들이 ‘필수 조건’이라는 명목으로 추가 비용을 발생시킵니다.

Many items generate additional costs under the pretext of being ‘essential conditions.’

할인 혜택에 대해 문의해도 명확한 답변을 얻기 어려운 상황입니다.

Even when inquiring about discount benefits, it is difficult to get clear answers.

같은 서비스라도 고객에 따라 다른 가격을 제시하는 경우도 있습니다.

Even for the same service, different prices may be offered depending on the customer.

이러한 문제를 해결하기 위해서는 투명한 가격 공개 시스템이 필요합니다.

To solve these problems, a transparent price disclosure system is needed.

4Comprehension Questions

Q1
What is the main problem that engaged couples face when planning weddings in Korea?
Q2
How do wedding companies typically present their pricing information?
Q3
What happens when couples receive actual consultations compared to initial price information?
Q4
How do companies justify additional costs to customers?
Q5
What solution is suggested to address the pricing transparency issues in the wedding industry?

5Cultural Notes

Wedding ceremonies in Korea are significant social events that often involve substantial financial investment from families. The Korean wedding industry has grown rapidly, but regulatory oversight of pricing practices has not kept pace with this growth. Traditional Korean values emphasize the importance of celebrating major life events properly, which can create pressure on couples to spend beyond their means for their wedding day.

Source: Naver News |
Original Article

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