Parents' Day in South Korea Date in the current year: May 8, 2024

South Korea is one of the countries that celebrate a single Parents' Day rather than separate Mother's Day and Father's Day. The origins of this holiday can be traced back to the 1930s, when some Christian communities in Korea began to celebrate Mother's Day. Eventually it was combined with Confucian traditions, and the celebration of Mother's Day began to spread. Mother's Day was officially established as an annual holiday in South Korea in 1956.

However, many people argued that there had to be a holiday dedicated to fathers as well. Finally, in 1973, Mother's Day was renamed Parents' Day. On this day, children usually give their parents carnations because these flowers are associated with Parents' Day. Although it is not a non-working holiday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare organizes various public events.

Respect for older people is deeply embedded in the traditional Korean culture, and rapid industrialization and urbanization of South Korea have not changed that. Parents are treated with respect and reverence all year round and not only on Parents' Day. The holiday only lays emphasis on this fact.