Hallmark Wishes it was Here

As my favorite American holidays continue to come and go here in Korea, I have been made aware by mostly my students about the other popular modern holidays celebrated in Korea. Like I said, Hallmark wishes it was here:

11/11 Pepero day: Clever Korea to put this chocolate covered breadstick day on 11/11, since the written date resemble 4 pepero sticks. So kyopta. Of course who reaps the benefit of this holiday? Couples and students and Lotte (though the company denies creating the holiday).

Pepero sticks

02/14 Valentine’s Day: Forget everything you ever knew about this holiday. Point blank, women get chocolate for the men they like.

03/03 Samgyopsal Day: March 3rd was chosen for this holiday because samgyeopsal, which means three-layered pork in Korean, begins with the word “sam” a reference to the number 3. As one of the cheapest meats in Korea, consumers buy this especially on March 3rd as prices are cut to its lowest.

 03/14 White Day: It’s the men’s turn. They get chocolate for their sweetie. Or anything else white in color…like marshmellows.

04/14 Black Day: For those lonely ones who missed out on doing anything the rest of the time, this holiday is for you. All you single ladies, forget Beyonce’s song, go out and eat Jajangmyeon  (자장면; 짜장면) consisings of wheat noodles topped with a thick sauce made of chunjang (a salty black soybean paste), diced meat and vegetables, and sometimes also seafood. Cause that’s what I want to gorge myself on to match the blackness in my “lonely heart”. Oh Korea when will you appreciate being single?

Umm can I exchange that for dark chocolate at least?

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