Why Do Koreans Eat Jajangmyeon on Black Day (April 14)?
On April 14, single people in South Korea gather to eat jajangmyeon, thick wheat noodles in a glossy black bean sauce. The day is called Black Day, and it is the unofficial "answer" for singles to Valentine's Day and White Day: if you didn't give or receive anything on those two days, the joke goes, you mark your single status with a bowl of black noodles. Today it is less about sorrow and more about laughing at yourself with friends over a cheap, filling meal.
Where Black Day comes from: the 14th-of-the-month calendar
Korea has a playful habit of giving the 14th of many months a theme. Two of them are widely observed and set the stage for Black Day:
- Valentine's Day (February 14) – in Korea, it is traditionally women who give chocolate to men.
- White Day (March 14) – a month later, men return the favor with candy or gifts.
- Black Day (April 14) – people who got nothing on either day eat black food, most famously jajangmyeon.
Nobody can point to an exact founder or year. Accounts generally place its spread in the 1990s, and it grew through word of mouth, TV and, later, social media. It is not a public holiday: shops, offices and schools run as normal.
Why jajangmyeon, of all foods?
It is black
The simplest reason is color. Black clothes and black food fit the theme of "mourning" your lack of a partner, and jajangmyeon is the most famous black dish in Korea. Some people add other dark foods, like black coffee, but noodles are the star.
It is comfort food for everyone
Jajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese dish (junggukjip food) with roots in the Chinese community of Incheon. Over the decades it became an everyday meal: something you order on moving day, after graduation or on a lazy weekend. Most Koreans have strong childhood memories of it, so it feels warm and familiar, not fancy.
It is cheap and easy to share
Valentine's Day and White Day are about gifts and dates. Black Day is the opposite: no reservations, no presents, just a casual Chinese-Korean restaurant or a delivery order. That low-key spirit is part of the joke.
How people actually spend Black Day now
For many, Black Day is a lighthearted excuse to meet single friends. You will see posts of jajangmyeon bowls on social media, and some restaurants and delivery apps run Black Day promotions. Some people lean into the theme with black outfits. Others treat the day as a celebration of being single rather than a sad one, which fits a wider change in how younger Koreans think about dating and marriage.
If you are visiting in mid-April, you don't need to be single to join in. Ordering a bowl of jajangmyeon on April 14 is simply a fun way to take part in a local in-joke.
"Single or not, jajangmyeon on April 14 just tastes better with friends." – LUMI, POPORO CITY
How to order jajangmyeon like a local
- Jajangmyeon (짜장면) – the classic: noodles topped with black bean sauce, onions and pork. Mix it well before eating.
- Gan-jjajang (간짜장) – sauce stir-fried fresh and served on the side, usually a little richer.
- Jjamppong (짬뽕) – spicy red seafood noodle soup, the eternal "which one?" rival. Can't decide? Look for jjamjjamyeon, a split bowl with both.
- Tangsuyuk (탕수육) – sweet and sour pork, the usual side dish to share.
Pickled yellow radish (danmuji) and raw onion with black bean paste usually come on the side.
Quick tips
- Black Day is unofficial – it does not affect opening hours or transport.
- Chinese-Korean restaurants are everywhere; look for 중국집 or the word 반점 (banjeom) on signs.
- Wear dark clothes: the sauce splashes when you mix the noodles.
- For the history of the dish, Incheon's Chinatown is the place to visit.
- Promotions vary by year, so check restaurant or delivery app notices around April 14.
FAQ
Is Black Day a public holiday in Korea?
No. It is an unofficial, fun day. Everything stays open as usual.
Do couples eat jajangmyeon on Black Day too?
Sometimes, for fun – the dish is popular all year. But the tradition is aimed at singles.
Is Black Day sad?
It started with a "lonely singles" joke, but today it is mostly playful, and many people treat it as a day to enjoy being single.
Are there other "14th" days in Korea?
Yes, there are many lesser-known ones (such as Rose Day in May), but Valentine's Day, White Day and Black Day are the best known. November 11 has its own snack day too – see our Pepero Day guide.
Where did jajangmyeon come from?
It developed in Korea's Chinese community, especially around Incheon. Our Incheon Chinatown half-day trip guide covers how to visit.