By Honorary Reporter Cintia Mancilla from Argentina
Photo = Cintia Mancilla

In Korea, designated romantic days are a big part of the lives of couples and each day has its own charm. An interesting tidbit is that most of the days fall on the 14th of each month.

Korea has quite a few days to celebrate love. (Cintia Mancilla)

Diary/Candle Day on Jan. 14 has people marking the new year by giving diaries to write New Year's resolutions, feelings, goals or anything else; others give candles. A diary also helps couples remember the number of romantic days ahead.

Valentine's Day on Feb. 14 in Korea is observed differently than in other countries. In Korea, women on this day give gifts to men, usually chocolate. The favor is returned on March 14 on the occasion of White Day, when the fairer sex receives presents from men. A custom is that a gift on March 14 must be triple in value that given on Feb. 14.

Jewelry, roses, chocolate or candy with white wrapping are popular presents on White Day in Korea. (Cintia Mancilla)

Black Day on April 14 is marked by single people by eating jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce). Dressing in black is supposed to symbolize the loneliness of such people and attract sympathy from fellow singles.

Color is also a major theme on Yellow/Rose Day (May 14), when couples give roses as presents and dress in yellow. Singles eat yellow rice curry and dress in yellow in the hope that love comes knocking.

Kiss Day on June 14 is the proper time to express one's honest feelings to his or her special someone. Many stores on this day offer lipstick and other discount specials. Silver Day (July 14) is when one gives silver jewelry or a romantic dinner to his or her significant other; the custom is for the older of the two to pay the bill.

A perfect day for an outdoor walk in the park is Green Day (Aug. 14). Singles on this day prefer wearing green while drinking the traditional liquor soju. Photo/Music Day (Sept. 14) is an excuse for couples to take photos or get them done at a professional photography studio and later sing at a karaoke box. 

A romantic dinner with a glass of wine is the most common plan to spend Wine Day (Oct. 14). And film fans should remember Movie Day (Nov. 14), an occasion observed by seeing a flick at the cinema, a DVD room or home. Eating cookies and drinking orange juice are also customs on this day. 

Finally, Hug Day (Dec. 14) stresses the importance of loved ones by giving them presents like socks to keep warm in Korea's harsh winter.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.