South Korea will include same-sex couples in its 2025 national census for the first time, a decision hailed as a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in Asia. The reform allows couples who share a home to select “spouse” or “partner” on the digital census form — language that was previously unavailable, forcing many to describe themselves as “unrelated cohabitants.”
While same-sex marriage remains illegal in South Korea, activists say the change is symbolically transformative. “This may seem like a small bureaucratic shift, but visibility in data is power,” said Jung Jin-woo, spokesperson for the human-rights organisation Marriage for All Korea. “It means our existence will finally be counted, not hidden.”
The national statistics agency confirmed the change was introduced to ensure “accuracy and fairness” in demographic data, following consultations with civic groups and equality researchers. By recognising same-sex households, the government has taken a subtle but significant step towards acknowledging family diversity — a term that, until recently, was absent from official vocabulary.
A changing social landscape
South Korea’s LGBTQ+ movement has gained momentum in the past decade, fuelled by youth activism, global awareness, and shifting social attitudes. Seoul’s annual Pride parade, once limited to small gatherings surrounded by police barricades, now attracts more than 150,000 participants. Younger generations are also more likely to support equal rights: surveys show that over 60 percent of South Koreans under 35 back marriage equality, though overall national support remains below 45 percent.
Despite this cultural progress, legal protections lag behind. There is no comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation or gender identity, and queer visibility in media and politics remains limited. Conservative religious groups wield considerable influence, regularly staging counter-demonstrations against LGBTQ+ events.
For many campaigners, this census reform signals a turning point in how the state perceives queer citizens. “Policy begins with data,” said Professor Kim Hye-jin of Yonsei University. “If you’re not counted, you don’t exist in the eyes of government. This marks a small but real move from invisibility to recognition.”
Political implications and regional context
International observers note that South Korea’s move comes amid growing debate over LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. Taiwan remains the only country in the region to have legalised same-sex marriage, while Japan’s courts are divided over whether bans are constitutional. In contrast, nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia have hardened their positions, with rising criminalisation and censorship of queer expression.
Against that backdrop, South Korea’s census inclusion — even without legal marriage — signals moderation and gradual progress. Analysts believe the country may follow a “data-first” model of reform, using demographic evidence to justify future equality legislation. This could include recognition of cohabiting partnerships or shared property rights for same-sex couples.
What comes next
The 2025 census results will be published in late 2026, offering the first official glimpse into the number and distribution of same-sex households in South Korea. Advocates hope the data will inform future housing policy, healthcare planning, and anti-discrimination efforts.
“This is a quiet victory,” said Jung. “It’s not equality yet, but it’s the first time the state has seen us for who we are. Once that happens, it becomes harder to turn back.”