Happy Valentine’s everyone 💖해피 발렌타인 데이
As the calendar flips to February, the air in Korea begins to buzz with anticipation. It's not just the biting winter cold that's creating this vibrant atmosphere, but the approach of a special day that holds a unique significance in this part of the world: Valentine's Day.
Valentine’s day in Korea is also celebrated on February 14th. Just like many other countries in the world, Valentine’s day is considered as one of the most important romantic holidays in Korea. It is a day for women to give chocolate and gifts to her man or her crush, not the other way around. Men will have their own special “response day” called White Day exactly a month later on March 14th for what they have received on Valentine's Day.
Upon stepping into any convenience store or supermarket, one can't help but notice the large displays with an array of popular chocolates like Ferrero Rocher or Hershey Kisses. These collections range from simple, single-serving chocolate bars to lavish, ready-made goodie baskets, each carefully curated to cater different tastes and budgets.
February 14th is a day earmarked for couples. Despite some opinions deeming it as an unimportant holiday, it holds a considerable weight, especially if you are in a relationship with someone. While they might not express an overt enthusiasm, it is quite likely that they have high expectations for the day.
However, let's not forget the single folks. While Valentine's Day might not hold much attraction for them, Korea has a unique tradition that caters to the singles as well: Black Day. Black Day, which falls on April 14th, is dedicated to those who didn't receive gifts, chocolates, or confessions on Valentine's Day and White Day. It is a day when singles come together to celebrate their solo status by indulging in a plate of Jjajangmyeon, a noodle dish with a black sauce that serves as a popular comfort food.
This may be somewhat similar to Galentine’s Day in which ‘gals’ gather up the day before Valentine’s Day to celebrate a different form of love: friendship. For this particular season of the year, we have gathered up and had our own little Galentine’s Day with 🧡KimlyParc Original Korean Latte 🧡
So, whether you're coupled up or riding solo, Korea ensures that everyone has a day to celebrate love, in all its forms. Happy Valentine's Day, or as they say in Korea, 해피 발렌타인 데이💞