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Credits: TaraLowryphotography.com
Obsessed by anything cute or romantic and encouraged by savvy marketers, a large number of Koreans observe at least 12 unofficial couple based holidays a year. While these are considered 'off the calendar', the 4thof every month is recognised by more and more people as a way to celebrate love.
January 14th: Diary Day / Candle Day
Blank diaries are given as gifts among couples and friends. Anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions are recorded into the brand new journals. Some also celebrate this day as Candle Day and give and receive decorative candles.
February 14th: Valentine's Day
Valentines Day is celebrated in South Korea much like it is in the West except for one main difference: Only women give gifts, men are off the hook in February.
March 14th: White Day
This when the women reap what the showed on Valentine's Day. Some follow the custom that the man should give a gift approximately three times the worth of what he received a month prior. Many gifts: roses, chocolate, candy - are often given in the colour white.
April 14th: Black Day
This day is for singles. It's rather a depressing day where singles eat a sticky, black-bean paste noodle dish called jajjangmyun and wish they had a love interest.
May 14th: Yellow Day / Rose Day
On Yellow Day couples dress in yellow give each other roses. Singles that didn't have their fill of lonely-heart noodles on Black Day have the chance to fill up on yellow curry and hope their love life will "spice up".
June 14th: Kiss Day
This is also a good day to confess your feelings to a crush and start a new relationship with a smooch. Many companies, ranging from lipstick brands to breath mint makers, do their best to capitalize, offering special promotions.
July 14th: Silver Day
Couples exchange silver rings and discuss future plans of marriage. Acting as promise rings, the gifts are often given before or after in-person parental introductions.
August 14th: Green Day
This is a day designated for drinking soju - a harsh alcohol traditionally made from rice, tasting similar to vodka - and then taking a romantic walk in the woods. Green Day is centered around the fact that soju comes in green bottle.
September 14th: Photo Day / Music Day
Most days in Korea are photo or music days, but the 14th of September is when it becomes "official" (or as official as an off- the- calendar holiday can get. Photo booths and Noraebang - singing (karaoke) rooms - are in high demands.
October 14th: Wine Day
Couples drink a glass (or bottle) of wine over a romantic dinner. Singles drink away their sorrows.
November 14th: Movie Day
Movie theaters are jam-packed on this day, but couples also rent movies, give each other DVD gifts, or go to a DVD room ( the "DVD Bang", or movie room is a popular Korean hangout on any day.
December 14th: Hug Day
Hug Day wraps up the year with a gentle squeeze and a sigh of relief. Couples spend the day hugging each other, while polls on which korean celebrity is most cuddle-worthy gives the singles something to fantasize about.