Using the 2009 national survey for marriage migrants, this paper examines the factors which influence the labor market participation and life satisfaction of female marriage migrants in South Korea. Comparisons are made among marriage migrants by ethnicity or source country and vis-à-vis local Korean women. The results indicate that the ability to engage in employment is hindered by lack of fluency in the Korean language and a demanding care regime for children and/or parent(s)-in-law. The socioeconomic adjustment of marriage migrants vary by ethnicity. Findings indicate that it is not employment per se, but the quality of work that contributes to life satisfaction. Having no children, a good spousal relationship, social networks and wealth also influence life satisfaction.
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