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While many countries observe Mother's Day and Father's Day separately, S. Korea celebrates both on a single day, known as Parents’ Day, held annually on May 8th. This day, established as Parents’ Day in 1973 after originally recognizing only Mother’s Day since 1956, underscores the profound respect and gratitude traditionally shown towards parents in Korea.
The Importance of Parents’ Day in Korea
Known for its strong tradition of respecting elders, Korea places Parents’ Day alongside major holidays such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok in terms of gift-giving significance. Despite economic downturns, many Koreans prioritize saving to purchase gifts or give money to their parents on this day. This is particularly significant for those who are employed or living independently from their parents. At SodaGift, we've noticed that the average spending on Parents’ Day gifts is about twice that of other periods.
Cultural Traditions on Parents’ Day in Korea
One enduring tradition is the gifting of carnations, particularly red ones, which are symbols of love and gratitude. My own childhood memories of making a carnation and writing a heartfelt letter to my parents in school are now mirrored by my son. The days leading up to and including May 8th see numerous street vendors selling carnations, a sight that instantly reminds Koreans of Parents’ Day and the affection owed to parents.
Top Gifts for Parents’ Day in Korea
The most popular gifts include carnation cakes, department store gift vouchers, fruit gift sets, Korean beef sets, and flower baskets. Carnation-themed cakes are a favorite, resonating deeply as the quintessential Parents’ Day gift. With Korea’s high smartphone penetration and the prevalence of eGift-compatible systems in offline stores, gift vouchers from leading department stores like Shinsegae, Lotte, and Hyundai remain in high demand.
Make Parents’ Day Special with SodaGift
This Parents’ Day, SodaGift offers a special promotion: a complimentary artificial carnation with each shipped gift order, available while supplies last. This service is particularly valuable for those residing overseas, allowing them to send a touch of nostalgia along with their gifts.
This is the artificial carnation that will be included with each shipped gift.
For those unsure of their parents’ precise addresses in Korea, SodaGift provides an option for recipients to input the address directly, simplifying the process and ensuring accuracy.
As Parents’ Day approaches, consider using SodaGift to express your affection and appreciation. It's an excellent way to connect with family in Korea, creating lasting memories and heartfelt moments.
This blog post was authored by Daniel Lee, the co-founder and CEO of the SodaGift team. A heartfelt thank you to all the contributors who have enriched our team blog with their writing.