How Korean Valentine’s Day is Different From Other Countries

han-river-749662_1920“Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

 

calendar-268592_1920Many of you probably know that February 14th is Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated in many countries around the world, including South Korea. But did you know that Valentine’s Day is celebrated a little bit differently in South Korea? 

;)handmade-chocolates-654321_1280Unlike the widespread custom where both men and women give cards, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner, in South Korea it’s a day when only women give ‘chocolates’ to men. On the other hand, men give non-chocolate candies to women on March 14th, referred to as ‘White Day’.cake-pops-684163_1920On Valentine’s Day, Korean women either buy a gift like a box of chocolates or make their own special chocolates for their significant one. Two days are left until Valentine’s Day and now is the perfect time to start planning what you want to buy for your loved one or start buying the recipes for hand-made chocolates! ;)

For those of you who are all thumbs, we’ve put together an ultimate selection of cafes that both serves and sells packages of chocolates as well as other kinds of dessert stores in Seoul where you can buy a special gift for your Valentine! And for those of you who want to make your own special chocolates, scroll down more to check out where to buy the recipes!

1. Cacao Boom

Cacao Boom is a specialty store for hand-dipped Belgian chocolates. Many visitors come and look for the smooth, deep flavor of the hot chocolate at this cafe. It also offers packages of chocolates for sale that you can buy as a present! For details and directions, click here.

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2. Atelier Decoa Balim

Atelier Decoa Balim is a dessert specialty store where you can taste original chocolates that you cannot experience in large chain coffee shops. Here, you can enjoy hot choco, royal hot choco, espresso hot choco, sangria, and daily desserts. For details and directions, clickhere.

3. Chocolatyum

Chocolatyum, located in Hongdae, is a petite bakery that offers freshly baked desserts and pastries. The whipped-cream cake with strawberries is very popular here. Unfortunately, the place only offers a take-out, but you wouldn’t be too sad once you taste them! For details and directions, click here.

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For those of you who want to make your own special chocolates for your love, here’s a list of places where you can buy the recipes!

1. Bread Garden (Hongdae)

This is one of the franchise retailer stores for home baking ingredients and utensils. Not only recipes, Bread Garden offers simple methods for home-baking, and even baking classes! For details and directions, click here.

2. Lovely Choco

pastries-756601_1920Lovely Choco is both a cafe and a specialty store for baking ingredients and utensils, where you can find a wide variety of delicious home-baked cakes. They even sell an easy, simple set of ingredients and utensils for baking without using an oven! For details and directions, clickhere.love-421594_1920

3. Bakery Street in Bangsan Market

Bangsan Market is famous for its Bakery Street, where you can find all kinds of baking utensils, materials, ingredients, and packages. During the Valentine’s week and Korea’s special day, people from all over the city visit this street, so you better hurry up! For details and directions, click here.

To see more cafes and stores you can buy gifts and recipes for Valentine’s Day in Seoul, click here.

5 BEST DATE SPOTS IN SEOUL

allowto_freedownload_snap_194Looking for romantic Valentine’s Day ideas? Well, Seoul is full of hidden, romantic places and has plenty of options for couples from romantic restaurants, department stores hand-to-hand, amusement parks to cozy cafés…Here, we’ve selected for you the best 5 date spots so that you can spend a great moment. Why not fall in love in this beautiful city?

1. N Seoul Tower

Attach your padlock to the fence! In addition to the spectacular night view of the entire city from the observatory, N Seoul Tower is very popular among lovers. It has become famous particularly for its “Locks of Love,” as thousands of padlocks are attached to the fence by romantic Seoulites. So, how about ending your day at N Seoul Tower? Admission ticket to observatory is available here.

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2. Lotte World Ice Rink

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Photo credits to Lotte World

Have fun in Lotte World Ice Rink. Spend a delightful day with your lover as you can spend time not only in this ice rink but also other attractions. It is located in the heart of Lotte World. It could be funny if someone falls down and the other tries to help him or her! For details and directions, click here. 

If you want to take your Valentine to Lotte World, discounted admission ticket is available here.

See 5 Best Rides & Attractions You Must Try in Lotte World.

3. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain

5062018758_1cb5cfaca3.jpgIf you watched some Korean dramas before, this bridge is really a popular spot for the lead roles to cry or to have their romantic scenes taken. This place will captivate you for its beauty and peacefulness! Note that the rainbow fountain starts running from April, but it is a wonderful park to take a stroll and enjoy the view of Han river. For details and directions, click here.

4. Samcheongdong-gil Road

Take a step back in time with your lover! Samcheongdong-gil is famous for its mix between tradition and modernity. The street is lined with hanoks that have been renovated into cozy cafés, galleries and restaurants. It’s also a good spot to shop as handmade designer shoes are sold along this street.

4733060414_16fd1a8d2a.jpgIf you’re interested in taking a look around Samcheongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village together with a hassle-free tour, click here.

5. Times Square (Yeongdeungpo)

Have fun in Times Square, a large, comprehensive lifestyle complex equipped with various leisure, entertainment, accommodation and dining facilities including – Shinsegae Department Store featuring a number of luxury brands and high-end local products, CGV Theater featuring the world’s largest screen and multiple performance center, I Like Dalgi Children’s Theme Park, restaurants, and many more.5022511286_85861dbd17_o.jpgSounds perfect for a date? Then, try a visit to Times Square! For details and directions, click here.

To see more romantic date spots that will make your Valentine’s Day the best, click herebutton_main

Photo Credits:
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Times Square Panorama (영등포 타임스퀘어 파노라마) via photopin (license)
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Times Square Panorama (영등포 타임스퀘어 파노라마) via photopin (license)

 

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