CHILDREN’S DAY (어린이날) - HOW KOREAN PEOPLE CELEBRATE JOY, INNOCENCE AND THE FUTURE OF SOUTH KOREA
- Elena-Daniela Sandu
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
WHAT IS CHILDREN’S DAY?
Children’s Day (어린이날) is a national holiday in South Korea celebrated every year on the 5th of May. This celebration is meant to honour children, recognise their importance in Korean society, and promote their happiness, rights, and well-being. The holiday has a deeply meaningful cultural value that promotes the fact that Korean children are not just simply their parents’ offspring, but independent individuals who deserve respect, care, and joy so they can develop into their best version of themselves.
The origins of Children’s Day in Korea date back to the early 20th century, when children’s rights activists such as Bang Jeong-hwan advocated for better treatment and recognition of children. The holiday was officially established in 1923 and later designated as a public holiday in 1975.
HOW DO PEOPLE CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY?
Children’s Day is one of the most joyful and lively holidays in South Korea. Unlike more solemn traditions such as Seollal or Chuseok, this day is centred on fun, freedom, and celebration. Korean families spend the day together, often going out and having fun. Parents typically take time off work to dedicate the entire day to their children. The atmosphere is cheerful and energetic, with parks, zoos, amusement parks, and cultural sites filled with families enjoying quality time.
WHAT ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS ARE SPECIFIC TO CHILDREN’S DAY?
On Children’s Day, a wide variety of events are organised across the country, many of them free or specially designed for children. Popular activities include visiting amusement parks like Lotte World or Everland, exploring zoos, aquariums, and science museums, participating in outdoor festivals, parades, and performances and attending special exhibitions, workshops, or storytelling events. Schools, museums, and cultural institutions often host interactive programs where children can learn through play. Some cities organise large-scale festivals with concerts, games, and creative activities.
WHAT FOOD AND SWEETS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CHILDREN’S DAY?
Unlike Seollal or Chuseok, Children’s Day does not have specific traditional dishes tied to rituals. Instead, the focus is on foods that children love. Families often eat out at restaurants chosen by the children, enjoy fast food, desserts, and snacks or buy cakes, ice cream, and colourful sweets. It is also common for parents to prepare special meals at home based on their children’s preferences. The emphasis is not on tradition, but on indulgence and joy, which makes children feel celebrated in a special way.
WHAT TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS ARE SPECIFIC TO CHILDREN’S DAY?
The central custom of Children’s Day is simple: children come first. Parents and relatives give gifts, which can range from toys and books to clothes or experiences. Many children also receive handwritten letters expressing love and encouragement.
Another important aspect is the recognition of children’s rights. The holiday carries an underlying message about respecting children as individuals with their own voices, needs, and dignity, a concept strongly promoted by early reformers like Bang Jeong-hwan.
WHAT ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS AND CURIOSITIES ABOUT CHILDREN’S DAY?
South Korea was one of the first countries in the world to establish a Children’s Day.
The word 어린이 (eorini), meaning “child,” was popularised to emphasise respect, replacing more diminutive or informal terms.
Children’s Day is part of a cluster of holidays in early May, often creating a longer vacation period known as “Golden Week” in Korea.
Amusement parks and family attractions experience some of their highest attendance of the year on this day.
WHAT SHOULD FOREIGNERS KNOW ABOUT CHILDREN’S DAY?
If you are visiting South Korea on May 5th, expect large crowds at popular attractions. Amusement parks, zoos, and children’s museums can become extremely busy. However, this also makes it a wonderful opportunity to witness Korean family culture at its most vibrant. Many public spaces offer special performances and activities that are enjoyable even for adults. If you are invited to celebrate with a Korean family, bringing a small gift for the child is a thoughtful gesture and will be warmly appreciated.
WHY DOES THIS HOLIDAY MATTER IN KOREAN CULTURE?
Children’s Day reflects a significant transformation of Korean society because it marked a shift from strict traditional hierarchies toward a more modern emphasis on individual value and emotional well-being. It highlights the belief that children are the future of the nation and deserve not only education and discipline, but also happiness, creativity, and respect. In a highly competitive society, this day serves as a reminder to slow down and prioritise joy, play, and family connection.
Children’s Day in South Korea is a celebration of laughter, love, and hope for a better future. It transforms cities into playgrounds and reminds adults of the importance of nurturing the next generation with care and respect. How do people in your country celebrate Children’s Day?
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