Family Month in Korea: A Celebration of Love, Respect, and Togetherness

At Kimchi, we know that food is more than just a meal it’s a way to bring people together. And if there’s one time of year in Korea that really shows how deeply family connections are treasured, it’s May: Family Month (가정의 달).

It’s a heartfelt stretch where two special days Children’s Day (May 5) and Parents’ Day (May 8) shine a light on the love and respect woven through Korean life.

Let's take you inside the story behind these two beautiful celebrations—and why they still matter today.

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Children’s Day (어린이날) May 5

From a Movement to a Memory-Making Holiday

It all began back in 1923 when writer and activist Bang Jeong-hwan decided it was time for children to have their voices heard. Fast forward to today, and May 5 is a full-blown national holiday! It’s a day filled with laughter, adventures, and tons of love for the youngest members of the family.

What happens on Children’s Day?

• Big Day Trips to zoos, aquariums, and baseball games, often with free or discounted tickets just for kids.
• Riverside Picnics, where families share colorful lunchboxes (dosirak) packed with kimbap, fried chicken, and juicy fruit.
• Gift-Giving, from traditional spinning tops to today's tech-savvy tablets and Lego sets.

Why it matters:
Children’s Day isn't just about fun and presents—it’s a national promise to protect and nurture future generations. It's also a rare moment where parents step away from their packed schedules and create pure, joyful memories with their kids.

Parents’ Day (어버이날) May 8

Honouring Sacrifice with Love

Starting as Mother’s Day in the 1930s and evolving in 1973 to include both parents, this special day perfectly reflects Korea’s deep-rooted value of filial piety (효)—the idea that respecting your parents is a lifelong commitment.

How families show love on Parents’ Day:

• Red Carnations pinned to mums' and dads' lapels—tiny blooms packed with huge meaning.
• Handwritten Letters and Foot-Washing Ceremonies, especially in schools, reminding everyone that a heartfelt "thank you" matters more than fancy gifts.
• Family Feasts, often featuring multi-course meals like hanjeongsik or hearty bowls of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).

Why it matters:
While Children’s Day pours love downward, Parents’ Day sends it right back up the family tree. It’s about taking a pause to say, "I see everything you’ve done for me—and I’m grateful."

What It Means for Us at Kimchi

At Kimchi, we’re proud to keep the spirit of Family Month alive right here in Selly Oak. Whether you’re celebrating your own family milestones or simply gathering with your "found family" of friends, we believe every meal should feel like a celebration of connection.

Here’s how you can make it special with us:

• Share a Sizzling BBQ: Nothing says love like gathering around the grill with your nearest and dearest.
• Gift a Meal: Treat your parents, or your friends who feel like family, to a hearty Korean feast.
• Capture the Moment: Snap a photo with your BBQ squad and tag us—we love seeing your Kimchi family moments!

Because at Kimchi, we’re not just about delicious food. We’re about building memories, one meal at a time.

Ready to celebrate your own Family Month moment? Bring your loved ones, your laughter, and your appetite—and let's make May a month to remember. ❤️