Living in Korea

What is White Day in South Korea?

Irene
February 28, 2024

If you thought Valentine's Day was all about the ladies, think again!

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What is White Day?

White Day is a special day celebrated in South Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries on March 14th, exactly one month after Valentine's Day.

While Valentine's Day in Korea is traditionally focused on women expressing their feelings through chocolates and gifts, White Day is the time for men to return the gesture. It's a day to show appreciation, confess hidden feelings, or simply celebrate the important women in their lives.

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🀍 Desserts from Day Row (Sinchon)

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Why is it called White Day?

In Japan, the birthplace of White Day, the focus is on giving gifts that are white, such as white chocolate, marshmallows, candy, and jelly. There are a few theories about why the color white is so important on this holiday. One theory is that white is associated with purity and innocence. Another theory is that white is associated with marshmallows, which were originally used as gifts on White Day.

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It is said that in Japan, gifts given on White Day carry different meanings. For instance:

  • Marshmallows: Rejection. Jelly or cream also holds a similar meaning, symbolizing a way to express dislike by swiftly melting away, signifying the end of a quick relationship, or used as a tactful expression of refusal.
  • Cookies: Friendship. Symbolizing dry or formal relationships.
  • Madeleines: I want to be close to you. Resembling a shell, it signifies a friendly relationship.
  • Candy: I like you. The lingering sweetness suggests that you will not be forgotten.
  • Macarons: You are special. Indicating uniqueness.
  • Baumkuchen: Wishing for continuous happiness. Stacked layers represent the continuity of joy.

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🀍 Macarons from More Desserts (Osan)

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Is White Day strictly romantic?

While originally focused on romantic gestures, White Day has evolved. Gifts are exchanged between friends, colleagues, and family members, making it a day to show appreciation to the important women in one's life.

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🀍 Petit Cakes from 4nerd (Humphreys)

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White Day Gift Ideas

Shuttle offers a convenient solution for expressing appreciation to the important people in your life on special occasions like White Day. With Shuttle, you can easily order your gifts, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Whether it's for your partner, family members, or friends, Shuttle provides a range of options to suit every taste and preference.

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The Gift Shop

From chocolates to Korean Red Ginseng and Premium Hanwoo, we deliver gifts directly to your address or allow you to set up a new address to send a gift to a friend or loved one.

🎁 The Gift Shop

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Next Day Flowers

Surprise someone special in Korea with a delivery of fresh flowers. Choose from a variety of options including bouquets, fruit baskets, and heart-shaped boxes filled with 100 roses to find the perfect gift for any occasion.

🎁 Next Day Flowers

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Shuttle e-Gift Card

Give the gift of food! Send an e-gift card for foodies as a thoughtful and convenient gift idea.

🎁 Shuttle e-Gift

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Use code WHITEDAYGIFT to get β‚©1000 off your order on Shuttle. (Available until March 14, 2024)

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Cover photo source:Β Amy Shamblen (Unsplash)


At Shuttle Delivery, we pride ourselves on being the go-to food delivery app for foreigners residing and exploring South Korea. With the convenience of PayPal payment options and our unique nationwide concierge service, we ensure seamless ordering experiences everywhere you go. Plus, with our next-day postal delivery on groceries and a wide range of home essentials, we're dedicated to making life convenient for our customers every step of the way.
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