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On the 5th of May each year, Koreans celebrate Children’s Day. This special national holiday is dedicated to children, and each year Koreans use this public holiday to spend time with their families.
But what is the significance of Children’s Day, and why is it celebrated?
Children are important in Korea, and that’s why they get their own special day known as Children’s Day.
This important holiday focuses on children’s need for love, care, and respect and reminds parents to spend extra time with their children on this day.
Children’s Day Korea History
Children’s Day was founded by Bang Jeong Hwan, a Korean children’s writer.
Children’s Day is believed to have originated in the 1920s but only became an official public holiday in the 1970s.
Children’s Day was inspired by Bang Jeonh Hwan’s belief that children are the future and it’s important to educate them.
During this period in history, children only attended elementary school and did not receive an adequate education.
Children’s Day was originally celebrated on the 1st of May, but due to it coinciding with Worker’s Day, it was moved to the 5th of May.
Koreans have songs for special occasions, and since Children’s Day is such an important holiday, it has its own song, which was originally composed in 1948.
Koreans celebrate Children’s Day by taking their children out for an entire day and spoiling them with various activities.
On Children’s Day, there are many local events, and many Korean cities offer discounts on activities for children and free entrance to attractions.
Children’s Day is loved and cherished by Koreans and is one of the most popular Korean public holidays, along with other holidays like Parent’s Day.
Gift Ideas For Children’s Day
On Children’s Day, parents not only take their kids out for a day filled with fun activities but also buy them gifts.
Traditional gifts usually include snacks, treats, and toys, but due to the popularity of gadgets and tech, most modern gifts are gaming consoles, cell phones, tablets, and other devices.
Younger children may still receive toys and treats as gifts on Children’s Day.
In Bang Jeong Hwan’s time, the life expectancy for adults was only 48 years old. Because he defined a child’s age as one-third of the average lifespan, those who were older than 16 stopped receiving gifts.
Today most Korean parents stop giving gifts on Children’s Day to their children at the age of 13.
Popular Toy Gift Ideas For Kids
Stickers
There are many stationery stores in Korea, and many of them sell a variety of stickers with different themes.
Children’s stickers are bright and colorful and can even feature characters from their favorite television shows.
Books
Books make excellent gifts for kids of all ages. Reading inspires imaginative thinking, and it’s a great gift to use when spending time together as a family.
Dolls
Dolls are always a popular choice for gifts for girls. Some of the types of dolls you can get are Miniland dolls, Barbies, Baby Alive, and LOL dolls.
Blocks
Wooden block sets are a great gift for kids and are educational too. Many block sets have animal pictures and the Korean alphabet and have beautiful bright patterns on them.
Play food
Kids love to pretend play and play food will keep them entertained for hours. Plastic cupcakes, pizza slices, forks, and plates are just a few of the items you’ll find in a play food set.
Electronic and robotic toys
Electric cars and robots are unique gifts for kids. Transformer toys and walking dinosaurs are also popular. Kids love any toys that seem “alive,” so these are great gift options for children who like interactive toys.
Plush toys
Plush toys are great for younger kids. Squishmallows are collected by lots of kids, and kids also love plush toys from their favorite animated movies.
Figurines
Figurines like superheroes, animated characters, and Pokemon are adored by kids. Many figurines are collectible and come with playsets, so it’s an easy gift for kids.
Tech Gift Ideas For Children’s Day
Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi was popular in the 1990s and has recently been trending again.
This little digital pet game is fun and small enough to take along wherever your child goes.
It’s also easy entertainment for them and can keep them occupied for a good amount of time.
Mini drone
Drones are a great modern gift for kids, and smaller drones are designed for kids to use
Drones are great for STEM learning and help kids develop computer skills and deepen their understanding of electronics.
Dance mat
Dance mats are fun and guaranteed to make your kids happy. This gift is perfect for kids who love to dance or who are fans of Dance Dance Revolution.
Dance mats can also be used as a family activity, and there are dance mats made for adults and kids.
Polaroid camera / Instax Camera
Kids will love taking pictures and having them printed instantly with a Polaroid camera.
This is a great option as a first camera and is relatively inexpensive for an entry-level version.
Tablet
Many parents consider getting a tablet instead of a smartphone. Tablets are great for streaming movies for kids and for playing games.
This is the ideal tech gift for kids wanting their own device for movies and games.
Gaming console
Gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Playstation, or Xbox are popular choices for slightly older kids who love gaming.
Traditional Things To Do On Children’s Day In Korea
Korean culture is steeped in traditions, with many activities that parents and their children participate in on Children’s Day.
Modern Koreans usually take their kids out on Children’s Day to kid-friendly places, but some prefer to stay home to play traditional games and spend time together as a family.
Family Activities on Children’s Day
Parades
Numerous parades are held on Children’s Day in different cities in Korea.
This is a fun way for families to spend time together and celebrate this public holiday as a community. Parades often have music, food, and other performances.
Amusement Parks
Kids love amusement parks, and often parents will celebrate Children’s Day by taking their kids to an amusement park.
Some of these include Lotte World, Seoul Land, Everland, and Legoland Korea.
Picnics
Parks that run along the Han River are popular for picnicking on Children’s Day.
Many families set up tents and spend the whole day at the park while their children play.
Traditional games and hanbok
Many families dress up in traditional hanbok and play games together.
Some of these games are yut, Hit the marbles, spinning top, and gonggi.
A visit to the Zoo
The most famous Zoo’s in Korea are Everland Zootopia, Seoul Grand Zoo, and O! World Zoo Land.
Going to the Zoo is lots of fun for kids, and many of the Zoo’s have a variety of attractions and restaurants.
Many families celebrate Children’s Day by visiting the Zoo.
Dining at a restaurant
Korea is home to many kid’s cafes. Kid’s cafe’s are like indoor playgrounds with fun activities and delicious food.
On Childrens Day, parents may take their kids to a kid’s cafe or a nice restaurant to enjoy a meal together.
Movies
Going to a movie theatre is a popular activity in Korea. Parents and children enjoy family films together, and on Children’s Day, many families spend the day at the movies.
Some of the most popular theatres that are visited are Lotte Cinema, CGV, and Megabox.
Most of the cinemas have iMAX and magnificent 4D movies.
Creating Tomorrow’s Memories Today: The Profound Impact of Celebrating Children’s Day in Korea
Children’s Day in Korea is a significant holiday where families get to spend quality time together.
Parents generally take their kids out for the day, buy them gifts, and spoil them with treats. Families also play traditional Korean games and enjoy a meal together.
Children’s Day is dedicated to the children of Korea and serves as a reminder to invest in the next generation through love, care, and education.
My favorite tradition I have with my children on this fun holiday always starts with prayer, continues with delicious picnic food, and ends with lots of cuddles.
What are traditions that you have with your kids?
