Korean Dictionary
How to say "Contract Marriage" in Korean
“Contract Marriage” in Korean is 계약 결혼 (pronounced "Gyeyak Gyeolhon").
계약 결혼
Gyeyak Gyeolhon
Usage & Context
계약 결혼 is a popular K-drama trope where two characters enter a marriage agreement for mutual benefit and gradually fall in love. The terms and timeline of the contract create dramatic tension as real feelings develop. This narrative device appears in many beloved Korean romance dramas.
Example Sentence
계약 결혼으로 시작했지만 결국 서로 사랑하게 되는 이야기예요.
It started as a contract marriage but they eventually fell in love with each other.
How to use 계약 결혼 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Contract Marriage” is 계약 결혼, romanized as Gyeyak Gyeolhon.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 계약 결혼.
Pronunciation Guide
'Gye-yak' is pronounced with 'Gye' like 'gay' but with a softer 'g' sound, and 'yak' like 'yak'. 'Gyeol-hon' has 'Gyeol' sounding like 'gyeol' (rhymes with 'yell' but with 'g'), and 'hon' like 'hone'.
More Example Sentences
Discussing the plot of a TV drama.
그 드라마는 계약 결혼을 소재로 하고 있어요.
That drama uses contract marriage as its theme.
Comparing fictional tropes to real life.
계약 결혼은 현실에서는 드물지만 드라마에서는 흔해요.
Contract marriage is rare in reality but common in dramas.
Explaining the motivation behind a contract marriage.
그들은 사업 때문에 계약 결혼을 하기로 결정했어요.
They decided to have a contract marriage for business reasons.
Cultural Context
A staple of K-drama romance, '계약 결혼' is a popular trope where characters enter a marriage for practical reasons (e.g., inheritance, business merger, avoiding family pressure) and inevitably fall in love. It often involves cohabitation, leading to humorous and touching moments as they navigate their 'fake' married life. This trope is closely related to '가짜 연애' (fake dating).
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 계약 결혼 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
계약 결혼 스토리
Contract marriage story
계약 결혼 드라마
Contract marriage drama
계약 결혼으로 시작된 사랑
Love that started with a contract marriage
Related Expressions
위장 결혼
wijang gyeolhon
Disguised marriage
정략 결혼
jeongnyak gyeolhon
Arranged marriage (often for strategic reasons)
가짜 연애
gajja yeonae
Fake dating
쇼윈도 부부
syowindo bubu
Show-window couple (appear happy but aren't)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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