Beyond Valentine’s Day: Exploring The Unique Days Celebrated In South Korea

When it comes to celebrating love, Valentine’s Day often takes the spotlight. But did you know, that South Korea takes it to a whole new level with a year-round lineup of unique themed days on the 14th of every month? From sweet romantic traditions to fun and quirky friendship customs, Korea’s calendar makes each month special for both singles and couples! Here are five you will definitely want to know about!

So, grab a cup of 달달한 핫초코 (dal-dal-han hat-cho-ko), aka sweet hot chocolate, and let’s dive into Korea’s fun and unique special days.

1. February 14, 발렌타인데이 (Bal-len-ta-in-de-i) – “Valentine’s Day”

Let’s kick things off with the classic Valentine’s Day—but with a twist. While many countries celebrate this day with couples exchanging gifts, Korea puts its own spin on the tradition! Women take the lead by giving chocolates to their 짝사랑 (jjak-sa-rang) meaning crushes, 남친 (nam-chin) boyfriends, or 남편 (nam-pyeon) husbands. Whether it’s store-bought 초콜릿 (cho-kol-lit) or handmade sweets, it’s all about expressing feelings. But don’t worry guys– your turn is just around the corner!

2. March 14, 화이트데이 (Hwa-i-teu-de-i) – “White Day”

Now it’s the men’s turn to shine. On White Day, they reciprocate the gifts and love they received on Valentine’s Day by giving heartfelt presents—usually white chocolates, candies, or flowers to their 여친 (yeo-chin) meaning girlfriends or their 연인 (yeon-in), aka lovers.

There’s even an unspoken rule – if a guy really, really likes a girl, he should give her a gift three times the value of what he received. No pressure, right?

3. April 14, 블랙데이 (Beul-laek-de-i) – “Black Day”

Singles, this one’s for you! Black Day, celebrated on April 14 is your moment to take the spotlight—or should we say, slurp! One month after 화이트데이 (hwa-i-teu-de-i) or ‘White Day’, single folks come together to enjoy 짜장면 (jja-jang-myeon), a savory black bean noodles that symbolizes and celebrates their single status. Some even go all out dressing in black from head to toe to celebrate their 자유 (ja-yu) or liberty.

So If you’re single, celebrate your independence. Grab some 짜장면 (jja-jang-myeon) with friends, embrace the 솔로 (sol-lo) solo life, and remember, 싱글이 대세야! (sin-geul-i dae-se-ya) or ‘single is the trend’!

4. May 14, 로즈데이 (Ro-jeu-de-i) & 옐로우데이 (Yel-lou-de-i) – “Rose Day & Yellow Day”

May 14 is a day of double the color and double the fun! Lovebirds exchange 장미꽃 (jang-mi-kkot) or roses, while singles brighten things up with their 노란색 옷 (no-ran-saek ot) or yellow clothes and enjoy a delicious plate of 카레 (ka-re) meaning ‘curry’.

5. July 14,  실버데이 (Sil-beo-de-i) – “Silver Day” 

Time to make things official! In true Korean fashion, there’s a special day to celebrate commitment—because why not? Couples exchange 은반지 (eun-ban-ji) silver rings, often as a sign of commitment and devotion to one another. It’s also a day when couples introduce their partners to their families. Talk about a big step!

Bonus: November 11, 빼빼로데이 (Ppae-ppae-ro-de-i) – “Pepero Day”

This one isn’t exactly a ‘14th Day’ celebration, but it’s too iconic to leave out! We’ve all seen our fair share of this celebration at least once in our favorite K-dramas. Pepero Day is like Korea’s version of ‘Valentine’s Day meets Pocky obsession’. People exchange Pepero sticks 빼빼로 (ppae-ppae-ro) — a chocolate-covered biscuit stick as a sign of affection.

Want to make 빼빼로데이 (ppae-ppae-ro-de-i) even sweeter? Spell out your confession with Pepero sticks or go for the Pepero game—where two people nibble on opposite ends of a stick until their lips meet. 와, 너무 설렌다! (Wa neo-mu seol-len-da)! So romantic!

In South Korea, celebrating love isn’t confined to a single day—it’s a year-round romantic adventure! From love and laughter-filled moments to sweet Pepero kisses or even a bowl of 짜장면 (jja-jang-myeon), there is always something to celebrate.

Which of these Korean love days would you like to celebrate?

Written by – Ariba

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