By Honorary Reporter Marina Luchina from Kazakhstan

Photos = iclickart

The 14th day of the month in Korea is often a special day unlikely to be celebrated elsewhere in the world. Oftentimes, such days are part of marketing by companies and stores. The following is a look at what months have special days on the 14th.

Jan. 14: Diary Day
Diaries and planners are highly popular in Korea, which has a vast variety of them. Couples, for example, often give each other matching diaries. This day is also Candle Day, when people give decorative candles.

Feb. 14: Valentine's Day.
Korea celebrates this day much the same as in the West but with one exception: girls give valentine cards, roses and chocolates to guys. Girls even buy kits to make their own treats.

March 14: White Day

This holiday originating from Japan in the late 1970s spread to Korea. Because girls gave gifts on Valentine's Day, White Day is when the guys must return the gesture with gifts of chocolate or other sweets. Koreans used to think this day was for a man to show his appreciation for a woman's declaration of love. Today, however, it is yet another opportunity for couples to show off.

April 14: Black Day
Black Day is when singles wear black clothes and eat jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce). This dish is a source of comfort and cheer for the unattached. There are those who are proud of their independence and consider this day a time to honor themselves.

May 14: Rose or Yellow Day
Many unofficial Korean holidays follow the seasons. In spring when flowers bloom, couples put on matching clothes and give each other bouquets of roses (preferably yellow) and chrysanthemums. But singles can eat yellow curry or saffron on this day in the hope of "spicing up" their romantic prospects.

June 14: Kissing Day

Kissing in public isn't as common in Korea as elsewhere in the world. On June 14, lovers go on dates and kiss, capturing on camera every romantic moment and sharing the photos on Instagram. Singles can confess their feelings to their crushes. Many companies produce limited-edition lipstick, lip balm or mint for this day.

July 14: Silver Day
On this day, couples give each other matching jewelry, most often rings as a sign of true feelings and strong relationships. Silver Day is also an occasion to see parents, as Korean culture often emphasizes family approval in all matters.

Aug. 14: Green Day

Green Day refers to nature. This day is good for romantic walks in the park, family gatherings outdoors, hiking in the mountains or cozy picnics by the water. The alcoholic beverage soju is often consume on this occasion. The drink is sold in green bottles because in 2009, all manufacturers agreed to use the same bottles to facilitate recycling, thus adding another "green" element to everyday life.

Sept. 14: Photo/Music Day
This day is dedicated to two of the most favorite pastimes of youth: taking pictures and singing. Couples take commemorative pictures, families go to a photo studio or hire a photographer, and friends go to photo booths. The sales of photo frames increase significantly on this day. Many in the evening also go to a club or noraebang (karaoke box) to sing and dance.

Oct. 14: Wine/Red Day
Though Koreans have not traditionally drank wine from grapes, wine has grown more popular in recent decades with higher availability of international cuisine and imported goods. Couples can also have a bottle of domestically made rose wine made from fruits such as raspberries or omija (magnolia berry).

Nov. 14: Movie/Orange Day
Movie theaters are understandably full on this day. But many also rent movies or give DVDs. And for a long and happy romance, be sure to eat an orange or wear orange clothes on this day. 

Dec. 14: Hug/Sock Day

This day is for giving warm hugs to relatives, friends, colleagues or even a stranger. People also rank Korean celebrities most worthy of a cuddle. Also on this day, many brands suggest swapping socks as another way to stay warm and comfortable in cold weather.

kalhong617@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.