Black Day

April 14 is Black Day in South Korea. What is Black Day? It's a South Korean original.

In South Korea, local custom dictates women give gifts to men on Valentine's Day, February 14th. A month later, on March 14, they have White Day when men return the favor with gifts for women. Another month later, on April 14th, they celebrate Black Day.

Black Day is for those who have not found love dressing in dark colors and commiserating over meals of black food, with the dish of choice being Jajangmyeon, the Chinese-style noodles topped with a thick sauce of black bean paste.

South Korea marketers have hatched special days for the 14th of each month to create a calendar laden with love. Some days have gained traction such as Black Day, while others such as Green Day in August, when couples are supposed to drink cheap liquor that comes in green bottles and walk in the woods, have yet to attract much of a following.