Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine’ Days coming, and chocolates are too. February 14^th: the holiday to celebrate love, and the day to mourn the lack of it for some. Grocery aisles everywhere are being painted red with flower bouquets and heart shaped boxes that are filled with creamy chocolates. Here in the states, the 14^th of February has become less about the celebration of the Biblical saint Valentine, and more about the purchasing of gifts for people that mean a lot to us. Grade school kids are often persuaded to bring gifts to their teachers, friends will buy each other boxes of candies, and working men and women use the opportunity to give gifts to their co-workers. Most countries celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Western tradition of gift-giving, but South Korea makes a monthly tradition out of the romantic holiday.

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January 14th, Diary Day:

The first 14^th of the month is known as Diary Day in South Korea. It’s a holiday where couples, friends, and family gift blank diaries to each other. It’s not only a sweet sentiment to start the year off with, but it can also be handy for organizing your schedule or writing down sweet somethings about your sweet someone. It’s also nice to start the year off with a literal blank slate that you can write your relationship, career, or yearly goals in.

February 14th, Valentine’s Day:

Valentine’s Day is celebrated somewhat the same in South Korea as it is in the states and Canada. Chocolates are sold in boxes, lowers in bouquets, and cards in mass quantities. However, in South Korea this day is oriented on the men instead of both. Men don’t buy women gifts on this holiday, but instead this is a day for the women to show their affection by buying chocolates for their men. The holiday is also much more platonic because of all of the other holidays throughout the year. Gift giving between non-romantic partners is much more common there than in the states.

March 14th, White Day:

White Day is the woman’s Valentine’s Day in South Korea. On this 14^th the men return a gift to all of the women that showered them in chocolates the previous month. Supposedly men spend much more on larger and more expensive chocolate boxes, jewelry, and other goodies. It’s understandable though, after making the women wait for an entire month since giving their present to you, you’ve got to impress them with something really nice.

April 14th, Black Day:

Men and women in relationships have both had their day to celebrate, but the single people haven’t. In the states the single people have Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and Netflix marathons to look forward to, but in South Korea they have their own day! This day is celebrated by getting together with your other single friends, dressing all in black, and eating a traditional Korean-Chinese noodle dish called jajangmyeon. It’s a salty, black noodle dish made with pork, vegetables, and a soybean based sauce. While it may seem like a sad occasion to eat black noodles and dress like you’re going to a funeral, it probably beats staying home alone and watching The Notebook again.

May 14th, Yellow Day:

The summer is quickly approaching near this time and the exchanging of flowers is supposed to be a symbol of the blossoming of relationships. This is another gift giving day that puts emphasis on the exchange of roses and other flowers between couples. Also, anyone who is still on board the single train can usually head down to the local cafes and pick up a nice bowl of yellow curry.

June 14th, Kiss Day:

This one is actually pretty self-explanatory.

July 14th, Silver Day:

A lot of jewelry companies market this holiday as the perfect time to commit to your partner with matching silver rings. They’re not exactly the same thing as engagement rings, they’re more of a ‘promise’ ring. Couples can also show their commitment on this day by introducing their significant others to their parents.

August 14th, Green Day:

This is a day for people to get together and get outdoors to enjoy nature walks. It’s also a day for people to stay inside and drink a traditional rice liquor called Soju that is served in bright green bottles. A lot of couples even dress all in green for this special day before heading out.

September 14th, Photo Day:

Korean people are already big on technology and taking pictures, but this day is especially popular for selfies and photo-booths. Professional photographers, photo booths, and park benches all get filled up on this day with young couples looking to capture their moments together.

October 14th, Wine Day:

While the two most popular alcoholic drinks in South Korea are beer and Soju, once a year on this day couples are encouraged to drink wine over a romantic dinner. This is also a day for the single men and women to drink wine at public events in local bars to meet other singles.

November 14th, Movie Day:

Film is extremely popular in South Korea and the 14^th of November has become the film’s Valentine’s day of sorts. Like Thanksgiving Day in the states, the 14^th is South Koreas most popular day for couples and families to go to the cinema. In South Korea you can even rent private DVD rooms where you and a few people can go to watch movies in a smaller cinema setting. They can be rented out sometimes for the cost of only one movie ticket!

December 14th, Hug Day:

I can't think of a better way to the end the year long celebration of loving than with a warm embrace. With all of these month long, lovey-dovey holidays it's surprising that this is South Korea we're talking about and not France. All the American readers out there, just be happy that you only have one relationship holiday to remember rather than twelve.