This year, to celebrate Valentine's Day, we have put together a special article on this topic that affects all countries. But as we are interested in Asia here is how this festival takes place first, in Japan and then in South Korea. Follow us through its two destinations!
Valentine's Day:
In Japan
Indeed, on February 14, women offer chocolates to men. Depending on the links they have with them, the chocolates will be different: Giri-choco (義理チョコ, literally "courtesy chocolate"). These are chocolates offered for men they meet frequently, but with whom they are not familiar. These can be co-workers or their boss. These chocolates represent a mark of politeness. These chocolates are purchased in stores.
Honmei-choco (本命チョコ, translatable as " chocolate of destiny "). This time, these chocolates are for the men who mean the most to them. Chocolates should be offered in a heart-shaped box and are usually handmade.
Other chocolates were also born: tomo-choco (友チョコ, " chocolates of friendship "). These are chocolates that girls can afford each other. This tradition is especially present in middle and high school.
jibun-choco (自分チョコ, " chocolates for oneself "). These are chocolates that singles can buy for themselves! Chocolates are given during the day. Indeed, unlike the West where Valentine's Day is synonymous with a romantic dinner, in Japan, couples meet on December 24. It is not always easy to declare your feelings to the one you love. Japanese women take advantage of this day to make men understand that they appreciate them greatly.
White Day has the opposite of Valentine's Day when women offer chocolates to men, White Day, March 14, is the day when men who received chocolates on Valentine's Day must offer a gift in return. These gifts can be of different kinds, chocolates, cookies or jewelry or lingerie (all white). According to tradition, the gifts that men must give to women must be worth two or three times more than the chocolates they received a month before. This practice is called "sanbaigaeshi (三倍返し)". Unlike the West, the Japanese do not offer a card on Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day and White Day are above all commercial holidays, as you might have imagined. According to a survey by the Japanese Chocolate Makers Association, Valentine's Day generates a turnover of 50 billion yen. The value of gifts being two or three times higher for White Day, we let you imagine the turnover that this represents.
Editor: Kana
In South Korea
South Korea has three days of celebrations spread over three months: February 14, March 14 and April 14. By the way, for your information, every month a party takes place and it is always the 14th of the month in question!
Valentine's day
February 14 is almost the same as in Japan since it is the girls who give gifts to the men they like or appreciate. They can also afford it to each other. However, although chocolates remain the main gift of choice, you can still offer flowers, cards or any other less formal gift. For the lucky one, homemade chocolates are almost an obligation and one more proof of the mutual love they wear!
White Day
On March 14, the roles are reversed and it is the turn of the boys who must put their hand to the paw by rewarding those who have offered them gifts. As in Japan, the festival remains similar, white is in the spotlight but not systematically either. Here again, it is necessary to offer a gift worth two or even three times greater than the gift received previously!
Black Day
April 14 is the last day that closes the festivities. This day is reserved exclusively for singles because yes, they are not put aside. During this day, we take the opportunity to spend an evening with friends often dressed in black clothes to celebrate his celibacy. they eat the inseparable dish at the event Jajangmyeon (also eaten at graduation), a noodle dish very popular in Korea. Jajangmyeon consists of noodles with fermented black soy sauce paste, onions, zucchini and potatoes.
Western
However, some generations seem to desert this practice preferring the Western festival of February 14. The boy must nevertheless offer a gift to his girlfriend who can also offer him one. The gifts remain classic while evoking love like a stuffed animal holding a heart, a bouquet of roses, a jewel in the shape of a heart or sweets. The choice remains vast during this commercial period when stores offer many ideas.
An outing will also accompany the event ranging from a simple coffee sipped for two, through an ice cream or a cinema. The purpose of this outing? Make a beautiful couple photo and then share it via social networks or put it in profile picture to mark the event!
Top three most romantic places
It is well known, each country has its flagship destination and South Korea is no exception with its particular places and landscapes that seem to come out of our drama. We did our little research and we selected three places appreciated by tourists but also Koreans during Valentine's Day!
3. Lotte World (Seoul)
서울
It was in 1989 that it was born, this large theme park combining attractions, museum, hotel, sports facilities and cinema and a leisure complex ideal for lovebirds. But also addressing a varied clientele, the nostalgia of childhood remains very present. Those who have seen the dramas Hyde, Jekyll and I, Protect the Boss as well as Kill Me, Heal Me (below) will remember this park.
2. Jeju-Do (island in Jeju province)
제주시
Jeju-Do Island belongs to Korea and is considered one of the references among the most romantic destinations. Many couples go to this popular islet during a honeymoon for example. There is also the famous theme park Love Land. You've probably seen it in the dramas Secret Garden, Producers and also in Playfull Kiss below.
1. Seoul N Tower
엔 서울타워
The ultimate place for a one-on-one meeting in Seoul, often crossed thanks to its famous padlocks everywhere. A site very appreciated for its panoramic view both day and night and well known to playwrights since many dramas have taken place there.These include, My Love from Another Star, Legend of the Blue Sea or Oh My Ghostess below.
Editor: Hayumi
Thus, ends our little tour in his two beautiful Asian countries under this ode to love. You can also check out our drama reviews and our Top 15 drama osts if romance still tickles you!
