Mother's Day(Hari Ibu) di 🇰🇷 Korea Selatan

South Korea celebrates Parents' Day on May 8, a holiday that honors both mothers and fathers simultaneously rather than on separate dates. The holiday was originally established as Mother's Day in 1956 but was expanded to Parents' Day in 1973 to equally honor both parents, reflecting Confucian values of filial piety that are deeply ingrained in Korean culture.

Carnations are the symbolic flower of Parents' Day, and children pin carnation corsages on their parents' chests as a sign of gratitude and respect. Red carnations signify that one's parents are living, while white carnations honor deceased parents. Schools and community organizations hold special events where children perform songs, recite poems, and present handmade gifts to their parents.

Gift-giving on Parents' Day is taken seriously in Korean culture. Common gifts include envelopes of cash, which is considered a practical and respectful offering, as well as health supplements, massage devices, clothing, and travel vouchers. Many adult children take their parents to restaurants for a special meal, and Korean barbecue restaurants, hanwoo beef restaurants, and traditional hansik establishments see heavy bookings.

The holiday carries deep emotional significance in Korea, where respect for elders is a foundational social value. Television programs air special Parents' Day segments, and the government recognizes exemplary parents with awards. For the Korean diaspora, Parents' Day is an occasion to call home and express gratitude across distances. The holiday serves as a reminder of the sacrifices Korean parents make, particularly the generation that built the country's rapid economic development.

Annual observance honoring mothers and maternal figures for their contributions and sacrifices, celebrated on different dates worldwide (second Sunday of May in the US) with flowers, gifts, and family gatherings.