Why doesn't South Korea celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 like other countries?

When March 8th is International Women's Day, many immigrant women who come to Korea are puzzled.

In my home country, I receive congratulations and flowers on International Women's Day, and I spend a happy day, but nothing happens in Korea.

International Women's Day begins

International Women's Day, March 8, originally began in New York in 1908 when 15,000 women workers protested for the right to vote and trade union rights.

International Women's Day is an annual campaign to publicize the value of gender equality and encourage more people to participate. This year's motto is 'Embrace Equity'.

world women's day

International Women's Day is a day on which women around the world are comforted and valued for their hard work in society and at home.

In Russia, International Women's Day is a national holiday where men take care of the housework and give flowers to women. In China, March 8 is called Women's Day or Goddess' Day, and gifts and congratulations are given to women.

In Vietnam, not only your wife or lover, but also women around you are given flowers to celebrate. The same goes for other countries, such as the Philippines.

Korean Women's Day

Unlike the original purpose of International Women's Day in Korean society, there is an aspect in which conflicts between men and women (gender conflicts) are more highlighted.

So, if International Women's Day in other countries is a 'soft day' that celebrates and encourages women, in Korea, it has become a 'hard day' that reminds us of the uncomfortable topic of gender equality.

In Korea, gender equality has been a socially important issue since the past, and women's organizations have made great efforts for gender equality.

However, these efforts have become an opportunity for some men to perceive assertive women as ignoring men.

For example, some men are angry that women must serve in the military for true gender equality in South Korea, where men's military service is compulsory, but why don't women's groups insist on this?

Happy International Women's Day!

The story of some men claiming that gender equality is reverse discrimination is obviously wrong, but recently in Korea, the atmosphere has become more attentive to the voices of these men

In any case, immigrant women who used to spend a happy day receiving congratulations in their home country will feel a little uncomfortable about International Women's Day in Korea.

However, please remember that many Koreans, including Papaya Story, are well aware that you are dedicated to starting a family in Korea. Happy International Women's Day to you.

Papaya Story