The purpose of this study is to understand current situations of nonmarital cohabitation in Korea and to provide implications for policy. Although the increasing number of cohabitors in Korea has been frequently addressed, research is still insufficient on nonmarital cohabitation. Therefore, this study examines cohabitors’ marriage and family values and their attitudes toward childbirth and child-rearing. It also examines public opinions and attitudes about cohabitation.

First of all, this study reviews the changes in Korean families and the trends of cohabitation in foreign countries. Next, we conducted online surveys and in-depth interviews with cohabitors to understand their reasons for cohabitation and to examine their marriage and family values. The various reasons of cohabitation could be divided into two groups: ‘cohabitation as a stage in the marriage process’ and ‘cohabitation as an alternative to marriage or cohabitation not related to marriage.’ The findings of this study indicate that cohabitors who chose cohabitation as an alternative to marriage were more pro-gressive and more likely to seek changes in traditional marriage and family values than those who chose cohabitation as a stage in the marriage. Further, those who chose cohabitation as an alternative to marriage were likely to plan not to have children, whereas cohabitors with a plan to marry were likely to consider having children after marriage. Finally, although the study finds somewhat conservative attitudes among the public toward cohabitation, the findings highlight that younger people are very open in their attitudes toward cohabitation.

Based on the findings of this study, suggestions are made to help develop effective policies to improve well-being among cohabitors. In particular, systems for registration of cohabiting relationship are needed to support them. Moreover, further suggestions are made to reduce negative attitudes to and prevent discrimination against cohabitation. Furthermore, policymakers should make efforts to develop policies that embrace non-traditional families in Korea.