Just three days after Children's Day, on May 8, Korea celebrates Parents' Day (어버이날), the second pillar of what Koreans affectionately call the "Month of Family.
"Parents' Day has its origins in Mother's Day, first observed in 1956. In 1973, it was expanded to include fathers and elders, reflecting Korea's deep Confucian tradition of filial piety. Unlike Children's Day, it is not a public holiday, but it is no less significant.
The carnation is the unmistakable symbol of the occasion. In the weeks leading up to May 8, children make red carnations in art class and write letters of gratitude. On the day itself, they pin the carnations to their parents' chests, and this gesture carries real emotional weight in Korean culture. Many schools also hold Parents' Day ceremonies, and some organize a feet washing ritual as an act of respect and humility.
Whether you participate or simply notice the carnations appearing in classrooms and storefronts, Parents' Day is one of the most genuine expressions of what Korean culture values most.
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