In South Korea, the April 14 holiday when single people eat black noodles is called Black Day.
Black Day follows the better-known February 14 Valentine's Day and March 14 White Day. In South Korea's gift customs, women traditionally give chocolates or presents on Valentine's Day, while men reciprocate on White Day. People who received nothing on either occasion may gather on April 14 to acknowledge single life together.
The signature dish is jajangmyeon, wheat noodles covered in a dark, savory black-bean sauce, often served with pork and vegetables. Some celebrants also wear black or choose other dark foods and drinks. The holiday is unofficial and is closely associated with South Korea's commercially promoted sequence of monthly “day” celebrations.
Black Day is sometimes confused with China's Singles' Day, held on November 11, or with the phrase “Singles' Day” used in other countries. Those observances share a focus on unmarried people but are different holidays with different dates and traditions.