Every year on May 8, Korea celebrates Parents’ Day, a special time to honor the love of their parents. Not just a holiday, it reflects a deeper cultural tradition based on the Confucian value of hyo(孝), or filial piety, which teaches people to honor, respect and care for their parents and elderly people. In Korean culture, filial piety is a strong foundation for building a better society by action of duty and kindness to focusing on family bonds. Koreans demonstrate filial piety in many ways, such as spending time with their parents, providing small presents or saying, “I love you.” This care also includes elderly people who might live alone or without family members.
Local communities and social organisations play a big role in making sure these seniors feel valued. In this way, Parents’ Day becomes more than a family celebration, it becomes a way to share love and build social unity.
To learn more about how this tradition is practiced in one of Korea’s major cities, I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Sug Pyo Kim, the President of Daegu Council on Social Welfare. The interview was conducted via Facebook Messenger on May 7-8, 2025. Mr. Kim has led many efforts to promote respect for the elderly through public events and community programs, especially around Parents’ Day.
According to Mr. Kim, Daegu hosts many meaningful events during this time. One highlight is the annual Parents Love Festival, held at the square in front of Daegu City Hall. This year's theme is “From Heart to Heart (마음에서 마음으로 전하는)”Families come together to enjoy traditional music, try cultural experiences, and participate in fun activities for children. “It’s a moment when children can show their gratitude through small performances and creative programs,” Mr. Kim explained. In addition, the Beommul Community Welfare Center, where he works, organises a local celebration especially for seniors living in apartment complexes, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
Schools in Daegu also take part in the celebration. Elementary and middle school students usually prepare poems readings and short plays to perform in front of their parents. These experiences, Mr. Kim believes, are not only fun but also educational –they teach children about the importance of respect and family love from a young age.
The value of hyo still has deep meaning in daily life. Mr. Kim shared that even today, families show their respect in small but heartfelt ways. Some prepare a home-cooked meal, others take their parents out to their favourite restaurants or go on short family trips. In Daegu, it’s common to take family photos on this day to capture the moment and strengthen bonds. “These actions are ways for children to express gratitude,” he said, “and to live out the tradition of filial piety.”
Mr. Kim also highlighted how the Daegu Council on Social Welfare supports elderly citizens during this celebration. One of the special events is a “Filial Piety Concert,” where local artists perform for older residents. There is also Family Day, with workshops and games that encourage interaction between children and parents. In addition to events, the council also provides educational materials about filial piety and offers counselling services for families taking care of elderly parents.
At the end of the interview, Mr. Kim shared a heartfelt message for readers around the world. He emphasised that Parents’ Day in Korea is not just about celebration—it’s about remembering the love and dedication of parents and showing gratitude through real actions. “I hope international readers can understand this value and cherish time with their families,” he said. “In every culture, love and respect for family are universal values. Through Parents’ Day, I hope we can all deepen those relationships.”
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