All You Need To Know About White Day in South Korea!
In this article we will share to you all information about White Day In South Korea, the way korean celebrate white day and history of white day in south korea.
You may have heard of White Day in Korea from your Korean friends, your favorite K-pop idol, or from one of the Korean dramas you’ve watched. It’s a popular holiday that shares some similarities with Valentine’s Day. So let’s dive right to it.
White Day Korea
Traditionally White day is a day where men give back gifts to women as the response to the gifts women gift to them during Valentine’s Day a month before. So you can say this is like the ‘answer day’ from men to the women.
Most of you might think that during Valentine’s Day that falls on 14th February, both men and women exchange gifts and confess to one another at that special moment. However, it is different in korea.
Historically speaking, Valentine’s Day is the Special Day for women to give gifts to men and even confess their love to the men they like.
They usually give a special gift, such as handmade gifts or chocolate during Valentine’s Day. While on White Day, the men return the favor they received one month earlier to the women.
White Day In Korea
White Day is celebrated on March 14th, exactly one month after Valentine’s Day that falls on February 14th.
Celebrate White Day In Korea
White Day is celebrated by men giving gifts to girls. The gifts are usually handmade or special made gifts, to show special affection to their crush or loved ones. Some of the handmade or special made gifts are special candy, handmade chocolate, or other types of gifts such as dolls such as kakao or line icon dolls.
Credit to Livejapan
In the past, the boy would give the girl marshmallows as a gift for White Day. Because marshmallows are typically white in color, that is where the name of the holiday also comes from. However, these days it is not limited to marshmallow, as many restaurants and gift shop offers a special gifts for women.
History of White Day
White Day was originated from Japan, which was much better known then as Marshmallow Day. On White Day (or Marshmallow Day), men return the favor by giving women white marshmallows.
Later on, they changed the name to White Day to make it more open-minded. In this way, men wouldn’t be limited to just give marshmallows but anything white such as white chocolate.
Gifts For White Day In Korea
Boys usually give girls candy (사탕 | satang) or a flower bouquet on White Day. In the second week of March, all of the convenience stores and supermarkets sell ready made treat baskets and large stuffed teddy bears that men may also want to buy for their girlfriends on this day. In addition, men may also buy more extravagant gifts like jewelry or lingerie.
Words Related to White Day in Korea
- I love you – 사랑해요 (Saranghaeyo)
- March 14th – 3월 14일 (samwol sipsail)
- confess one’s love – 사랑을 고백하다 (sarangeul gobaekada)
- give a gift – 선물을 주다 (seonmureul juda)
- loved one – 사랑하는 사람 (saranghaneun saram)
- girlfriend – 여자친구 (yeojachingu)
- boyfriend – 남자친구 (namjachingu)
- candy – 사탕 (satang)
- chocolate – 초코릿 (chokolit)
- bouquet – 꽃다발 (kkotdabal)
- present – 선물 (seonmul)
- date – 데이트 (deiteu)
- love – 사랑 (sarang)
Valentine’s Day and White Day
Since men and women take turns to give each other gifts and treats, there are two Valentine’s Day holidays to celebrate in South Korea early in the year.
Valentine’s Day is the day when women confess their attraction or love to the men, on the opposite, White Day is the day when men are encouraged to confess their own attractions and love to the women.
White Day In South Korea
Although a commercialized holiday from the start, March 14 is seen as an important holiday to celebrate. For couples, many feel it’s an obligation. Typically both parties do love receiving and giving gifts.
However, as it is a culture and society pressure, it more often lead to some stressful expectations and feelings of gift-giving to fulfill the expectations of the culture and society.
Credit to Cuteinkorea
Nevertheless, it’s good to not take it too seriously. Instead, just think of it as a fun little holiday for couples to show extra love to each other and go on a special date.
White Day In Korea 2022
How do you think about White Day in South Korea? Is it really worth celebrated in South Korea? Let us know in the comments below!
