How Korean candy, card and flower companies 'improved' Valentine's Day

[IndelibleDotInk]

Like with many things, Korea has adopted and adapted, or should I say, 'improved,' Valentine's Day. Here it's the girl who gifts her man on Feb 14, mostly chocolates.

March 14 is White Day, for the guy to give gifts back to his woman.

Now those who don't have a valentine celebrate Black Day on April 14. The lonely gather together and dress in black with black accessories, and eat jjang myeon, which is noodles in a black sauce. People with significant others should not participate, especially eating black foods, if they eat it together it's bad luck and their relationship will tank.

In this instance, the confection and floral industries started these, and other Valentine's-related holidays; there are several more. Pretty wacky.