On Korea’s Parents’ Day, gratitude can come in cash
In South Korea, giving cash to parents on Parents’ Day, celebrated on May 8, is considered a common and meaningful way to express gratitude. Instead of spending time searching for gifts, many adult children simply transfer money through banking apps, seeing it as practical, respectful and useful for their parents. A survey by Lotte Members involving 2,000 Korean adults found that cash was both the most desired gift among parents and the most preferred gift for adult children to give, showing how deeply rooted the custom is in Korean culture.
For Koreans living in the United States, the tradition continues across long distances through wire transfers, phone calls and text messages. However, Korean Americans often experience cultural differences between Korean Parents’ Day and American Mother’s Day or Father’s Day traditions. While Korean parents may appreciate money as the best form of support, American customs usually focus more on flowers, greeting cards, family dinners and shared experiences. Many Korean Americans therefore balance both traditions, adapting their gestures depending on cultural expectations.
Despite the convenience of sending money, many people still wonder how much is enough and how to make the gesture feel sincere rather than routine. Some believe the amount matters less than the message behind it — showing parents they are remembered and appreciated even from far away. Still, managing different family expectations on both the Korean and American sides can become emotionally and financially demanding, leading many Korean Americans to carefully think about how to express gratitude in ways that fit each family’s culture.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source :https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/20260508/on-koreas-parents-day-gratitude-can-come-in-cash |
