Valentine’s Dos & Don’ts: Korean Style
by Brielle Morgan
For couples, whether happy, mildly content, or downright depressed
Do sport “couple wear” (those matching outfits) proudly.
Do write your loved one a poem in hangul so they’ll have a sweet keepsake to remember you by (or burn when you screw things up).
Do treat yourselves to a walk through Samcheong-dong’s romantic alleyways.
Don’t kick, heckle, or push to the ground any single people you may see in public.
Do spread the love. That is, take one of Korea’s many shelter dogs for a stroll. To find your nearest shelter, visit animalrescuekorea.org.
Do share a bottle of cheap E-Mart wine and some street snacks at a prime people-watching location like Myeongdong. Suggested menu? Roasted chestnuts, tteokbokki, and baked sweet potatoes. Suggested headgear? Complementary furry animal hats.
Do learn all the moves to ”Nobody” by The Wonder Girls and rock it with a special dedication to your partner during a private noraebang session.
For my fellow sexy, highly desirable, and surprisingly single friends
Do enjoy a weekend marathon of Korean & English films at Busan’s 10-story theatre, Daeyeong Cinema Town (daeyoungcinema.com)
Don’t belittle yourself by throwing eggs, kimbap, etc. at blatantly oppressive anti-single signage
Do learn the moves to “I Don’t Care” by 2NE1 and rock it with a special dedication to someone foul at a soju-fueled noraebang session.
Do spin Korea’s cruel cousin to Valentine’s Day – April 14th’s Black Day (designated as a mourning period for singletons) – on its head. Who says eating black noodles has to be a punishment?
Don’t kick, heckle, or push to the ground any couples you may see in public.
Do satisfy your chocolate cravings with a mug of decadent “drinking chocolate” (and a side of homemade pie) at Tartine’s Bakery & Cafe in Itaewon, Seoul (02-3785-3400)
Finally, don’t resist the urge to write me a love letter (if you feel the need for an outlet, that is). I’m here for you: briellemimi@hotmail.com.
Romantic Bloopers: A Flower Is Forever
Romance isn’t exactly my forte—unfortunately, this doesn’t stop me from trying. Last Valentine’s Day, I was determined find my wife’s favourite flower—the Calla Lily. After searching the local florist from top to bottom, I found a vase of them tucked away in the back of the shop and quickly purchased them. That night, I emerged from the bedroom with my thoughtful gift in hand, eager to be showered with love and praise for my romantic gesture. Her loving expression quickly turned to a sly grin. “They’re beautiful,” she said. “There’s just one problem… they’re fake.” Almost a year later those same flowers sit in the same vase on the same table, as a reminder of my incompetence and a symbol of what our love is really all about—laughter, patience and forgiveness.
–Jordan Lunan, Seoul
Video Valentine
Canadian couple Simon and Martina have lived in Bucheon since June 2008. Watch them profess their love to each other in traditional Korean style by typing “Korean Valentine’s Day simonandmartina” into the youtube search box.
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