The Origins of Children’s Day in Korea
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| oday is Children's Day, a national holiday in Korea! |
Children’s Day in South Korea is more than just a public holiday — it is a day established to celebrate the dignity, happiness, and growth of children. The official purpose of the day is to help children grow into upright, wise, and strong individuals, while also fostering societal affection and respect for them.
Interestingly, the term “children” (어린이, eorini) itself has only been in use for just over a century. The roots of Korea’s Children’s Day trace back to the aftermath of the March 1st Movement in 1919, when a nationwide independence movement against Japanese colonial rule swept across the country. This historical moment awakened a sense of national identity, even among the youth.
In 1921, the movement to protect children’s rights and inspire national consciousness led to the founding of the Cheondogyo Boy Scouts, spearheaded by Bang Jeong-hwan, also known by his pen name Sopa. He coined the term eorini (children) and advocated for children to be treated with respect. Under his leadership, the group launched Korea’s first organized children’s rights movement.
Their slogan was simple yet powerful:
“Let us be brave and honest children. Let us always love and help one another.”
Two years later, on May 1, 1923, the first official Children’s Day celebration was held in Seoul. It coincided with International Labor Day, symbolizing hope for the future of the next generation.
Why May 5?
Following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, Children’s Day was moved to May 5. It became more institutionalized over time:
1961: The Child Welfare Act officially designated May 5 as Children’s Day.
1973: It became a nationally recognized commemorative day.
1975: It was officially designated as a public holiday.
In 2005, the government expanded the celebration to cover an entire week — Children’s Week, from May 1 to May 7. This shift aimed to increase public awareness and host various events that support children’s well-being and development.
Korea’s Children’s Charter
In 1957, Korean author Ma Hae-song and six other members of the Korean Association of Children’s Writers drafted the first Children’s Charter, which was announced during the 35th Children’s Day ceremony.
The Charter emphasized the following core principles:
Children must be respected as individuals.
They should be educated with true affection.
In times of danger, children should be rescued first.
The Charter was later revised in 1988 to better reflect modern democratic values, emphasizing children’s dignity as citizens of a democratic society. In 2015, a separate Children’s Play Charter was introduced to reinforce children’s right to play and encourage families, schools, and communities to support healthy leisure.
So, Who Qualifies as a “Child”?
There’s no single definition, but developmental psychology typically defines childhood as the age range between 6 and 12 (or up to 13). Legally, Korea’s Child Welfare Act defines a child as any person under the age of 18, meaning Children’s Day formally includes those up to 17 years old.
Culturally, however, the term “child” often refers to younger kids — from toddlers to elementary school students — while older teens are usually referred to as youth or adolescents. So the psychological definition often aligns better with real-world usage.
Is Children’s Day on May 5 Around the World?
Although South Korea celebrates on May 5, Children’s Day is observed in many countries, and the dates vary:
June 1: International Children’s Day (set in 1925 at the World Conference on Child Welfare)
May 5 (Japan): Celebrated as Boys’ Day, while Girls’ Day falls on March 3
Turkey, India, and many Islamic countries also have nationally recognized Children’s Days, though dates differ
UK and France don’t have a specific holiday but emphasize year-round respect and protection of children’s rights
Final Thoughts
Children’s Day in Korea is not only a celebration but a reminder — of the importance of respecting and nurturing the younger generation. It’s a day that reflects the nation’s hopes for its future, shaped by those who will inherit it.
So on May 5, whether you're in Korea or simply inspired by the spirit of the day, take a moment to reflect on how we can all create a better world for children — not just one day a year, but every day.
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