In Korea, the month of May is dedicated to celebrating family, making it the perfect time to take a break and enjoy the last month of spring together with parents, siblings, and friends. May 5th marks Children’s Day, May 8th is Parents’ Day, and May 20th is celebrated as Together Day.
Children’s Day (어린이날) in Korea was founded in the 1920s by Bang Jeong-hwan, a children's rights advocate. The day is dedicated to honoring and appreciating children, recognizing their significance for society and the future. From visiting amusement parks to enjoying the best sweets and toys, the following excerpts from May 15 highlight the childhood experience of Park Siwon, a young Korean student.
How is Children’s Day celebrated in Korea?
In Korea, we celebrate Children's Day every year on May 5th. It's truly a day where kids are the stars. Since it's a public holiday, most families spend quality time together, often visiting places children love. You will find special events and discounts at various spots like amusement parks and restaurants, making them quite crowded. Parents express their love and affection by giving presents and treating their children to delicious food.
How did you usually celebrate Children’s Day when you were younger?
When I was little, my family and I would go to the amusement park. I remember holding colorful balloons, eating cotton candy, and riding all the exciting rides. We also used to spread out a picnic blanket in the park and eat the lunch my mom lovingly packed. More than anything, I think the new toys I received on Children's Day were the things I cherished and loved the most back then.
What is your favourite memory from a past Children’s Day?
My favorite Children's Day memory is the day my dad made mini corn dogs, and I drew whatever I wanted on them with ketchup. He wrapped hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) batter around little sausages to make these small corn dogs. My older brother and I even created a character called 'corn dog Man' and played with them. These corn dogs were so small that they were easy for even young kids to eat.
Did your family have any traditions for Children's Day?
We didn't really have any grand traditions, it was more about just playing and eating together. We often spent the day at home making food together as a family. Like I said, making those mini corn dogs was one of those things. Even young kids could stick the sausages on skewers. Some years, we'd make Kimbap (Korean seaweed rice rolls) together.
How do schools celebrate it in Korea?
Actually, since Children's Day is a public holiday, schools are closed. However, schools usually hold various events around Children's Day, either before or after. Instead of regular classes, students get to have fun through school sports days, performances, and hands-on activities.
What kind of gifts did you usually receive on Children’s Day?
I have an older brother who is 6 years older than me, and I think he always gave me cute stuffed animals as gifts. He's really good at winning them from claw machines! He'd also give me sweet snacks like chocolate. I received a lot of dolls and toys, but we also sometimes had a cake, just like on my birthday.
Why do you think Children’s Day is important in Korean culture?
Actually, Children's Day holds historical significance. It originated from the desire to respect children, spearheaded by Mr. Bang Jeong-hwan. Based on the philosophy that 'a person is heaven,' he respected children as complete individuals and coined the term '어린이,' which is an honorific for children. Therefore, Children's Day is not just another day off in the year, but a meaningful day to reflect on the value and rights of children. Remembering the true meaning of Children's Day and not forgetting its purpose is perhaps the truest way to commemorate this day.
If you could plan your perfect Children’s Day now, what would it look like?
For me now, Children's Day is just a small break from my busy university schedule. But if I could give my younger self a special Children's Day, I think it would be enough to just call all my neighborhood friends and play with them all day long. And of course, we'd finish the evening with a nice dinner with my family!
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