Those of us over here at KoreAm aren’t that big on Valentine’s Day. Nothing against it, but you won’t see any flowers in our office, and the only chocolate we have are leftover truffles from Christmas. (Don’t judge. They’re still good.)
But lucky (or unlucky) for us, Korea has a whole slew of holidays celebrating love/lack of love. You know, just in case we didn’t think Feb. 14th was enough.
January 14th: Diary Day
On this day, couples exchange yearly planners, in which they mark anniversaries, birthdays and other special days (i.e. Valentine’s Day).
February 14th: Valentine’s Day
We know it as the day that anyone, girl or guy, can give sweets or flowers to their loved ones, but in Korea, the day is specifically set aside for women to confess their love. Girls tend to go all out and make custom chocolates for the day.
March 14th: White Day
Felt gypped on Valentine’s Day? Today is the day men confess and express love for their partners. It’s customary to give candy on White Day, not chocolate. Why? I don’t know.
April 14th: Black Day
Finally! A day for singles in Korea! On black day, singles get together to eat jjajangmyeon, black bean noodles, to celebrate or wallow in their singledom.
The next few months are less-known and a lot more simple. (But no less weird…)
May 14th: Rose Day
Couples exchange roses
June 14th: Kiss Day
Kiss everyone you meet on this day (creepy…but okay).
July 14th: Silver Day
Couples exchange silver accessories (I suppose it’s cheaper than gold.)
August 14th: Green Day
Another (sort of) single day! Couples are supposed to “seek nature,” while singles get to drink soju.
September 14th: Photo Day
Take a photo with your significant other in a romantic place.
October 14th: Wine Day
Enjoy wine with that special someone.
November 11th: Pepero Day
While it’s not specifically a day set aside for couples, many people buy pepero snacks, the long skinny sticks dipped in chocolate, for their loved ones.
November 14th: Movie Day
Couples watch movies. (What else is new?)
December 14th: Hug Day
Couples hug each other to “chase away the cold.”
Korean couples also create their own special anniversaries, other than the typical “100th day” and “One Year Anniversary,” like “22 Day,” where couples hit up all their friends for two dollars, and buy gifts for each other with the money. I promise, this is real.
Information from the Official Site of Korea Tourism.
