Learn all about Valentine's Day
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class: Holidays in South Korea Series on KoreanClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Korean holidays and observances. I’m Brandon, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 24: Valentine’s Day. |
| In South Korea, like in other countries, on Valentine's Day or 발렌타인데이 (ballentain dei) on February 14th people give chocolates to the people they love. Also, some confess their love when giving chocolates. In this lesson, you’ll learn how people in South Korea spend Valentine's Day. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question: Valentine's Day is on February 14th, but there's also a day called "Black Day" on April 14th. Do you know what this "Black Day" is for? |
| If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| What should you do when you don't have the courage to confess your love on Valentine's Day? In South Korea, you can use a company that confesses your love on your behalf! When you use the company, it’ll visit the person you love, give them chocolates, and deliver your confession of love. |
| Also, on Valentine's Day, you can display your messages of love in public spaces. For example, you can write the name of your loved one along with a message declaring your love on electronic boards located in downtown Seoul. |
| Recently, online services used to share your love messages for free have become popular. |
| On Valentine's Day, at places like movie theaters, staff give chocolates to the couples in attendance, and set up a "Kiss Time" in the middle of the performance or showing. "Kiss Time" is when the lights are turned off in the middle of the performance without any notice, so that couples can kiss. Korean couples prefer having a private "Kiss Time" than kissing openly in public places. |
| Here's our fun fact for the day! Did you know that there are some people who give cakes made with rice cakes or 떡(ddeok) instead of chocolates on Valentine's Day? They put their own twist on the day! |
| Now it’s time to answer our quiz question: what is “Black Day” on April 14th? In South Korea, Black Day is a time when people who were single on Valentine's Day gather together and eat black bean noodles or 짜장면 (jja-jang-myeon.) |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn a lot? |
| In your country, what do you do on Valentine's Day? |
| Please leave us a comment at KoreanClass101.com. |
| And we'll see you next time! |
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