What is White Day?
We all know Valentine's Day, but in Korea, besides Valentine's Day, White Day is also celebrated. Since Korea is a very couple-centered society, there are many special holidays to celebrate as a couple.
Historically, women in Korea give gifts to men on Valentine's Day. They often give store-bought chocolates and make a special gift, such as handmade chocolates, to their boyfriend or partner. White Day is the day when it is the man's turn to give his partner a gift, usually something white. Although some don't follow it, there is a rule that the guy must give a gift worth three times the amount he accepted on Valentine's Day. This holiday actually started in Japan in 1977 and was known as the "Reply" holiday, where guys had to respond to girls who confessed to them on Valentine's Day. Since then, the holiday spread to Korea and became very popular as well.
Sweets, sweets
In the old days, a boy would give a girl marshmallows as a gift. Since they are usually white, that is where the name of the holiday comes from. Traditionally, gifts were white chocolate, marshmallows, clothes or jewellery. However, today many restaurants and gift shops offer a special gift for women.
Words related to White Day in Korea
- I love you – 사랑해요 (Saranghaeyo)
- March 14 – 3월 14일 (samwol sipsail)
- confess love – 사랑을 고백하다 (sarangeul gobaekada)
- give a gift – 선물을 주다 (seonmureul juda)
- beloved – 사랑하는 사람 (saranghaneun saram)
- girlfriend – 여자친구 (yeojachingu)
- boyfriend – 남자친구 (namjachingu)
- candy – 사탕 (satang)
- chocolate – 초코릿 (chokolit)
- bouquet – 꽃다발 (kkotdabal)
- gift – 선물 (seonmul)
- date – 데이트 (deiteu)
- love – 사랑 (sarang)
Have you ever given or received a gift on March 14th? Come with us to Korea to experience Your experience in South Korea and have the opportunity to experience White Day first-hand.
