🏡 Why Is May Called the “Family Month” in Korea?
In South Korea, May is called “Family Month” because several national days in this month focus on family, teachers, and loved ones. This reflects Korea’s cultural background rooted in Confucian values and the strong emphasis on family relationships.
📅 Major Commemorative Days in May
| Date | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Labor Day | Celebrates workers. Some companies offer a day off. |
| May 5 | Children’s Day (Public Holiday) | A day to celebrate children with nationwide events and family outings. |
| May 8 | Parents’ Day | A day to honor parents with carnations, letters, or gifts. |
| May 15 | Teachers’ Day & Coming-of-Age Day | A day to thank teachers and to celebrate 19-year-olds becoming legal adults. |
| May 18 | Gwangju Democratic Uprising Memorial Day | A national memorial day for Korea’s pro-democracy movement in 1980. |
| May 21 | Couples’ Day | Symbolizing two (2) becoming one (1), it celebrates the importance of marriage. |
🎎 Everyday Life During Family Month
- On Children’s Day, amusement parks and zoos are crowded with families.
- On Parents’ Day, people give carnations, allowance money, or letters to their parents.
- On Teachers’ Day, students express thanks with cards or handwritten notes.
- Companies, schools, and public institutions host family-friendly events and campaigns.
🌏 Cultural Notes for Foreigners
- Korea celebrates parents, teachers, and married couples together in May — a rare concept compared to Western cultures.
- Instead of having separate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Korea celebrates Parents’ Day (May 8) for both.
- The concept of “filial piety” (효, Hyo) is deeply respected, encouraging gratitude toward elders.
💡 Useful Korean Terms
- Carnation (카네이션) – Flower symbolizing gratitude
- 감사의 마음 (Gam-sa-ui ma-eum) – A grateful heart
- 가족 나들이 (Ga-jok na-deul-i) – Family outing
- 효도 (Hyo-do) – Filial piety
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