Ulsan's first couple wed at city-run public venue under small wedding support project

Ulsan's first couple to marry through the city's new public wedding venue program tied the knot Sunday at the Ulsan Garden Support Center, marking the inaugural result of the "U:ON Wedding" project launched this year to promote affordable marriage culture.

The ceremony was held on a small scale, with only close family and relatives in attendance, and focused on heartfelt congratulations and personal connection.

The newlyweds, Kwon Hyeok-min and Lee Bo-gyeong, said they applied for the city-backed program after finding wedding costs too burdensome while preparing for residential expenses. "We started our marriage in a neat and beautiful garden setting and made memories that will stay with us," they said.

The U:ON Wedding project provides public facilities as ceremony venues and covers the full range of wedding services for couples seeking small, simplified ceremonies. Selected couples receive support worth 5 million won (about $3,240), covering wedding attire, hair styling, makeup and venue decoration.

Eight outdoor venues are open for ceremonies: Ginkgo Garden and Forest Garden at Taehwagang National Garden; Metasequoia Road, Rose Garden and the front yard of Jigwanseoga at Ulsan Grand Park; the soccer field area and grass lawn at Daewangam Park; and Taehwagang Lake. Four indoor venues are also available — the auditorium at Ulsan Museum, the seminar room at Jigwanseoga in Ulsan Grand Park, the grand banquet hall at Ulsan Family Culture Center, and the Ulsan Garden Support Center.

Ulsan has secured a project budget of 105 million won and will support 20 couples registered as Ulsan residents on a first-come, first-served basis through the end of this year.