Cultural Insight: Children's Day Published April 30, 2008 By Pak, Yong Hui 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Yippee! It's Children's Day! Korean people celebrate this day by doing something special with their children. Most countries celebrate Children's Day every year, but not at the same time. In Korea, May 5 is Children's Day every year. The original Children's Day was designated May 1, 1923 by Pang Chong Hwan, who founded a society for children called 'Saek Dong Hoi' and made a great contribution of raising the social status of Korean children. Since 1946, Children's Day has been fixed May 5. It was designated as a national holiday in 1975. Before it was changed to Children's Day in 1975, May 5 was referred to as Boy's Day. Many events or functions are held in amusement parks, in front of the Seoul City Hall, zoos and various parts of a country. On this day, the most important gift an adult can give to a child is having a good time together. To some children, it may seem like another Christmas Day because parents give special presents to the children. May is also considered the month of family in Korea, as they celebrate not only Children's Day, but also Parents' Day May 8. There is no doubt the month of May is good time for both children and parents. Children are the future. Let's keep them safe and teach them right from wrong. Editor's note: Cultural Insight is a series of articles on Korean culture. If you have questions about the Korean culture or topics you would like to see covered by the 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office, call 784-4044 or e-mail 51fwpa@osan.af.mil.