As it is the season of love, Valentine’s Day, today’s article is about just that. However, in Korea, things might be a little different. From chocolates to noodles, let’s wander in the curious world of Korea’s Valentine’s Day, White Day, and Black Day.
Valentines Day, a day to celebrate your love of your significant other, with your significant other (hopefully). Every culture and every nation celebrates this momentous day a little bit different. In Korea, visitors might find their celebrations quite fascinating. It is celebrated on February 14th (as per usual), however, typically the women give gifts to men. Sign me up for Koreanbride.com asap! Women usualy give gifts to either the guys they are interested in, or to someone they have a romantic relationship with. The gifts are usually chocolates, but can also include flowers, stuffed animals, or other small tokens of affection. Walking through the streets of Korea on Valentine’s Day, visitors will see shops filled with heart-shaped chocolates, flower arrangements, and other romantic gifts. Additionally, the cities will often provide beautiful aesthetics to celebrate the day. I personally recommend Wonju City’s Rose Park for this day, as I personally believe it is one of the more romantic places I have been to in South Korea. It is conveniently located near to the bus terminal, so it should be no hassle to find it…
Ladies, fear not! The celebrations don’t end there. One month later, on March 14th, you can celebrate White Day. On this day, the man is expected to reciprocate the gifts they received on Valentine’s Day, by giving gifts to the woman they are interested in, or in a romantic relationship with. The gifts and the theme usually revolves around the color white (what a surprise), hence the name “White Day”. The gifts often include white chocolates, jewelry, or other small gifts.
Finally, for all those who are FOREVER ALONE, Black Day is your day. It is celebrated on April 14th. On this day, all the amazing single come together for a collective circle-cry session… kidding. They get together and eat Jjajjangmyeon, a Korean dish made of noodles with black bean sauce, to commiserate with each other. The color black represents sadness and loneliness, and the tradition of eating Jjajjangmyeon on Black Day started somewhere in the 2000’s as a way for singles to be awesome and embrace their status, and to find comfort in each other’s company. I once had the great honor of being invited to a Black Day event, but unfortunately I was the only amazing single person. Both my friends that joined me had boyfriends :’(.
While these celebrations may seem unusual to some, they offer a fascinating insight into the unique cultural traditions of Korea. Visitors to Korea during these holidays will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the celebrations, and perhaps even participate in the gift-giving themselves.
Overall, the celebrations of Korean Valentine’s Day, White Day, and Black Day are a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and its unique perspective on love and relationships. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, these holidays offer a chance to celebrate and embrace the different facets of love and human connection.
Additionally, on November 11th, Koreans celebrate Pepero day. Pepero are stick cookie candy, coated in chocolate, which is meant to represent the 11/11 of November 11. Usually on this day, you’ll find Pepero everywhere… Everywhere! Strangers might give you some Pepero, but it is usually reserved to those whom you wish to show affection to. This could be to friends, lovers, mentors, anyone. On this day my students would often give me Pepero, but would be sad if I ate it alone… So, share it… There are plenty in a box to go around.
I hope you enjoyed the read, and that I was able to teach you something interesting about Korea. Drop a comment below to share how you celebrate Valentines Day in your country.
Wandering Wentzel 