Valentine's Day Korean Style

We just enjoyed our first and only Valentine's Day in Korea. Well, technically just 1/3 of the holiday is celebrated on February 14th. So get ready for a brief lesson on the romantic holiday trifecta in Korea. I couldn't cite every source for this information because I have heard it from several people and read it in several sources. The information is consistent, so my research must be accurate- that's my version of the scientific method! I would like to mention one of the sources. Jason is an American who teaches at a University here in Daegu. He has lived here for 10 year and is married to a beautiful Korean woman. He is our only expert source with a deep southern American accent. He is great- I might have to dedicate a post to the musings of Jason!

Here is one of Jason's FB posts: "Today is Valentines Day, but in Korea that means women give presents to men only. On March 14th, White Day comes and that is the day when men give presents to girls. The two days are separated. April 14th is reserved for Black Noodle Day. This day is for all the single people who celebrate it (sadly) by eating a special Korean food."

Wandering around Daegu the last couple of days, we saw several street displays of typical Valentine's gifts, including chocolates and flowers. I saw a few young women carrying such gifts. I can only suppose they were off to meet their sweethearts. I wonder if starting the celebrations with women buying gifts for the men is a way to guarantee the women get a gift on their day? Maybe. Then again, maybe not!



We have eaten the "black noodles" many times. They are delicious. I can see why they would cheer the lonely! They are called Jajangmyun and are an adaption of a Chinese dish. The color comes from the black bean sauce. You can see a bowl on the menu board in the upper left hand corner. The cost would be less then $3 American. For another dollar (1000 won) you can get the large size, which easily feeds two. Of course they come with "panchan" or Korean side dishes. This typically includes kimchi and pickled radish. The young missionaries love to eat here- they get a lot for their money.

So how did we celebrate? Fred bought me a sweet pine scented candle- a little reminder of the mountains. I made him cinnamon rolls. That evening we enjoyed another Korea adventure as we went to a part of Daegu we had never visited; a new subway stop. We met up with Elders Yun and Lee for a delicious dinner at a restaurant that served Korean and American style chicken, but in mostly Korean fashion. This may have been the first time we've eaten at a local restaurant where they brought forks and didn't even offer us chopsticks. It felt weird!!!


Here is a picture of two forever Valentines! A picture before the gray hair and middle age spread. I can't imagine this Korea adventure without the love of my life. We are companions in the truest sense of the word. Ours is an eternal relationship, bound by the Lord's temple covenants. So here we are in Korea. Hoping to invite others to receive these choicest of all blessings.