Love on repeat: 14th of every month is special day for lovers in Korea

Korea Herald

13-02-2025

Koreans once saw these occasions as tiresome, but attitudes have shifted, led by young people
Valentine's Day has come around once again, and for Lee Eun-ji, a 24-year-old Seoul resident, that means one thing -- crafting homemade chocolates for the most cherished men in her life.
For Lee, the occasion isn't just about romance; it's an opportunity to express love and appreciation for the men who matter most.
"Some believe that regularly celebrating special days is excessive or too costly. However, I see it as a heartfelt tradition that fosters reflection on the past, gratitude for the present, and a chance to make meaningful memories with loved ones," said Lee.
"For this Friday, I'm planning to make chocolates for my boyfriend as well as my little brother and my father. It will be a special memory for all the men I love."
In South Korea, Valentine's Day is just one of many romantic occasions dispersed throughout the year -- it's part of a yearlong symphony of love-laced milestones.
The 14th of every month is dedicated to romance, offering couples a built-in reason to celebrate their love. Though its origins remain somewhat mysterious, this monthly ritual is thought to have evolved through a blend of commercial influence and genuine enthusiasm from couples, inspired by Valentine's Day -- one of the most cherished romantic occasions.
Here's a closer look at Korea's romance-infused 14th-day traditions:
Jan. 14 – Diary Day
On this day, lovers ring in the New Year by gifting their significant other a fresh diary -- perfect for chronicling their romance going forward.
Feb. 14 – Valentine's Day
Tradition dictates that women take the lead, bestowing chocolates upon their beloveds.
March 14 – White Day
A month after Valentine's Day, the tables turn. Men who received chocolates the month before return the favor by presenting candy to their admirers.
April 14 – Black Day
Singles take center stage, commiserating over jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) in a celebration of self-love.
May 14 – Rose Day
Men gift roses to their partners as a symbol of love.
June 14 – Kiss Day
No further explanation needed -- couples lock lips to celebrate their enduring romance.
July 14 – Silver Day
Also dubbed "Ring Day," men gift silver accessories to their partners on this day.
Aug. 14 – Green Day/Music Day
Green Day calls for a romantic escape into nature, while Music Day sets the stage for dancing the night away with one's significant other.
Sept. 14 – Photo Day
The day marks an occasion for couples to document their love through commemorative photos.
Oct. 14 – Wine Day
Lovers enjoy an evening of fine wine over dinner.
Nov. 14 – Movie Day
Movie Day encourages couples to enjoy a classic date night, setting aside time to watch their favorite films together.
Dec. 14 – Hug Day/Money Day
Rounding up the year, the day involves embracing each other warmly and/or splurging on extravagant gifts.
Beyond these monthly celebrations, other popular anniversaries for couples include Pepero Day on Nov. 11, when couples exchange chocolate-covered biscuit sticks, as well as milestones such as the 100-day and one-year anniversaries. Christmas and Christmas Eve are also peak holidays for couples.
While this romance-centric culture has been widely embraced, it hasn't been without its critics. Some have argued that the abundance of anniversaries is merely a marketing strategy designed to drive sales, leading to consumer fatigue and social pressure to follow the "norm." However, recent data indicates a shift in perspective.
According to a survey released last November by market research firm Embrain that polled 1,000 individuals aged 13 to 59, negative sentiment toward themed anniversaries is waning.
The proportion of respondents who viewed "day culture" — the practice of designating special days for celebrations — as a corporate-driven, manufactured tradition declined from 60.2 percent in 2019 to 51 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, those who harbored no such criticism of these occasions increased from 46.3 percent to 51 percent over the same period.
Respondents in their teens, in particular, are leading the charge in embracing these love-coded celebrations. Among respondents in their teens, 61 percent agreed that "day culture enhances social dynamics," while 53.5 percent felt it "adds excitement to their busy lives."
By contrast, older generations remain less enthusiastic. Among those in their 50s, only 41.5 percent and 34.5 percent, respectively, shared the same sentiments.
As for which occasions for lovers reign supreme in Korea today?
Pepero Day (80.7 percent) leads the pack, followed by Valentine's Day (74.1 percent) and White Day (68.9 percent). Notably, while respondents in their teens placed the most importance on Pepero Day, older respondents leaned toward the classic duo of Valentine's and White Day.
College students (60.9 percent), high school students (58.1 percent), and working professionals in their 20s (55.8 percent) were the most active in keeping 'day culture' alive.
"When life moves at a rapid pace, we forget to thank the ones we love or create a chance to make special memories. I think these occasions are a chance to remind ourselves of what we are missing," said Lee.
When life feels overwhelming, perhaps having a built-in excuse to pause, celebrate, and share love is exactly what we need.