South Korea's May 8 observance associated with Mother's Day is called what?

South Korea’s May 8 observance is called Parents’ Day.

Known in Korean as Eobeoinal, Parents’ Day honors both mothers and fathers on May 8. It developed from an earlier Mother’s Day observance: South Korea’s State Council designated May 8 as Mother’s Day in 1956, but the holiday was renamed Parents’ Day in 1973 so that fathers would be included equally.

The date is associated with expressions of filial respect, a value strongly connected with Confucian traditions in Korean society. Families commonly give parents carnations, write letters, present gifts, and spend time together. Public ceremonies may also recognize exemplary parents and older citizens.

A common mix-up is confusing Parents’ Day with Children’s Day. South Korea observes Children’s Day on May 5, while Parents’ Day falls three days later on May 8. Parents’ Day is also different from the separate U.S. Parents’ Day, which is observed on the fourth Sunday of July.