Calculate marriage duration and Korean anniversary names (2026)
Wedding anniversary names originated from 19th-century Western (American and British) customs. The tradition involves giving gifts made from specific materials — starting from 'Paper' at year 1 to 'Diamond' at year 75.
In Korea, Western names were adapted into Chinese characters: 지혼식 (Paper), 은혼식 (Silver), 금혼식 (Gold), etc. Some names were added or modified as they passed through Japan, so minor differences from the Western originals exist.
In Korea, the most celebrated milestones are the 25th anniversary (Silver/은혼식) and the 50th anniversary (Gold/금혼식). Children and relatives gather to honor the couple's decades together.
지혼식 is the Korean term for the 1st wedding anniversary, translated from 'Paper Anniversary'. Paper symbolizes a new, fragile bond. Traditional gifts include handwritten letters, books, or stationery.
The Silver anniversary (은혼식, 銀婚式) is the 25th wedding anniversary. Silver represents a long-lasting, bright relationship. It is one of the most widely celebrated anniversaries in Korea.
The Gold anniversary (금혼식, 金婚式) marks 50 years of marriage. Children and grandchildren typically host a celebration party and present gold jewelry or a travel gift. Some local governments also send congratulatory letters or gifts.
Korean names are Sino-Korean adaptations of Western names and are mostly similar. However, a few names (e.g., 8th-year '전기혼식') were added independently. There is no single authoritative standard — family and regional customs may differ.
Traditional named anniversaries cover years 1–10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, and 75. Years without official names can still be personally meaningful milestones.
The wedding anniversary naming system originated in 19th-century Europe and spread worldwide. Each material symbolizes the character of the relationship at that stage. In Korea, these were adapted into Hanja-based names like 지혼식, 은혼식, and 금혼식.
In Korea, Wedding Anniversaries — especially Silver (25th) and Gold (50th) — often become family gatherings where children celebrate their parents' enduring partnership.