Anniversaries are a big deal in Korean culture – not just for couples, but for friends, coworkers, and even personal milestones! 🎉 If you’re learning Korean, understanding how these celebrations work can bring you closer to the language and people.
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In this guide, you'll learn the essential Korean words, anniversary types, gift ideas, and cultural norms you need to celebrate like a local. Whether you're preparing for a romantic day or a special memory with friends, we’ll show you how to express yourself clearly in Korean.
🎎 Why Anniversaries Matter in Korean Culture
In Korean culture, anniversaries – or “기념일” (ginyeomil) – are more than just dates on a calendar. They are deeply emotional events that strengthen relationships, show gratitude, and often reflect cultural values of harmony and sincerity.
From romantic couples to best friends, even company milestones are celebrated with intention. While Western cultures might focus mostly on yearly anniversaries, Koreans often commemorate every 100 days of a relationship – starting from the very first day! This tradition is called “백일 기념일” (baegil ginyeomil), or 100th-day anniversary.
Couples might mark their 100th, 200th, or even 1,000th day together. You might hear someone say, “우리 오늘 300일이야!” (Uri oneul sam-baek-iliya!) meaning “Today is our 300th day!” That attention to detail adds depth to personal connections.
Family-related anniversaries are also significant. The first birthday of a baby, called “돌” (dol), is celebrated grandly with a feast and symbolic rituals. It marks a child's survival through their first year – historically considered a major achievement due to past high infant mortality rates.
Even memorial days for deceased relatives are honored annually, often following the lunar calendar. This is known as “제사” (jesa), and includes preparing favorite foods of the ancestor and performing bowing rituals. These practices keep family heritage alive and reinforce filial piety.
Among youth, there are “couple holidays” like “빼빼로데이” (Bbaebbaero Dei / Pepero Day), celebrated on November 11, where couples give each other chocolate sticks resembling the date (11/11). It’s playful but also romantic.
Korean media has played a large role in popularizing these dates. K-dramas often show scenes where couples celebrate their 100th day with matching rings or special outings. This influences real-life behavior and expectations among younger generations.
Workplaces also commemorate founding days, employee anniversaries, or retirement dates with speeches and gifts. This shows collective appreciation and reflects the Korean value of loyalty – known as “의리” (uiri).
Anniversary celebrations aren’t always grand. Sometimes a handwritten note saying “사랑해요, 함께 해줘서 고마워요” (saranghaeyo, hamkke haejwoseo gomawoyo / I love you, thank you for being with me) can mean more than an expensive dinner. The gesture matters more than the price tag.
In my opinion, the beauty of Korean anniversary culture lies in its attention to the everyday. Instead of waiting for a year to pass, Koreans recognize and celebrate the small moments. This mindset turns ordinary days into meaningful memories.
What’s also unique is the variety of creative expressions tied to these days. From handmade scrapbooks to couple photo shoots, every generation finds new ways to express their affection on commemorative days.
Because time and date play such a key role, learning how to say and understand anniversary-related expressions in Korean can deepen your fluency and cultural competence. You’re not just learning the language – you’re learning how people love and remember.
So next time someone says “우리 기념일이 언제였지?” (Uri ginyeomiri eonje yeotji? / When was our anniversary?), you’ll know exactly what they mean – and how important it is to get that date right!
Now let’s look at the different types of anniversaries celebrated in Korea and how to talk about them naturally.
📅 Common Korean Anniversary Terms
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 기념일 | ginyeomil | Anniversary |
| 백일 | baegil | 100th day |
| 돌 | dol | First birthday anniversary |
| 제사 | jesa | Memorial ritual for ancestors |
| 의리 | uiri | Loyalty / Brotherhood |
🎊 Common Types of Korean Anniversaries
In Korea, anniversaries come in many forms — romantic, family-related, work-based, and even national. Each has its own significance and typical way of being celebrated. Understanding these different types of anniversaries helps you connect with Korean people on a cultural and emotional level.
For couples, “연애기념일” (yeonae ginyeomil) or dating anniversaries are probably the most well-known. Koreans don’t just celebrate the one-year mark. Instead, it’s common to count by days — especially the 100th, 200th, and 1000th day of dating. This makes each stage of the relationship feel special and worth celebrating.
One popular phrase you’ll hear is “오늘 우리 200일이야!” (oneul uri i-baeg-il-iya / Today is our 200th day!). Couples often celebrate these days with small gifts, handwritten notes, or matching accessories like rings or phone cases. There’s even a trend of posting cute couple selfies with hashtags to mark the day.
Marriage anniversaries are also important. Called “결혼기념일” (gyeolhon ginyeomil), they’re usually celebrated every year with a family dinner or a romantic evening out. Unlike dating anniversaries, these often involve children and close family members, especially for milestone years like the 10th or 25th anniversary.
Military service is a huge part of Korean life, especially for men. While there’s no official term like "military anniversary," it’s common for veterans to remember the day they were discharged (전역일 / jeonyeogil). Reunions are often held on that date, filled with stories, drinks, and laughter.
Longtime friends, especially classmates, sometimes look back on when they first met. While they don’t use the word “기념일,” it’s common to say things like “우리가 만난 지 벌써 10년이야” (uriga mannanj i beolsseo ship-nyeoniya / It's already been 10 years since we met) during gatherings or reunions. These memories serve a similar emotional purpose as anniversaries.
Work anniversaries are also recognized in many Korean companies. The term is “입사기념일” (ipsa ginyeomil), meaning the day someone joined the company. Small celebrations like cakes or thank-you cards may be shared, especially after one year or five years of service.
Korea also has nationally recognized days like “광복절” (Gwangbokjeol / Liberation Day) and “삼일절” (Samiljeol / Independence Movement Day). These are not personal anniversaries but are commemorated across the country with flags, ceremonies, and school activities. These days reflect Korea’s strong sense of history and national identity.
Lastly, there are fun couple-themed “days” every month, especially on the 14th. “화이트데이” (hwaiteu dei / White Day) and “로즈데이” (rojeu dei / Rose Day) are examples. These aren’t traditional anniversaries but have become part of Korean dating culture thanks to media and marketing trends.
So even though not every meaningful day is called a “기념일,” Koreans love remembering and celebrating key moments — whether romantic, social, or professional. And if you remember their important dates, they’ll remember you.
📆 Types of Korean Anniversaries
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 연애기념일 | yeonae ginyeomil | Dating anniversary |
| 결혼기념일 | gyeolhon ginyeomil | Wedding anniversary |
| 전역일 | jeonyeogil | Military discharge day |
| 입사기념일 | ipsa ginyeomil | Work anniversary |
| 화이트데이 | hwaiteu dei | White Day (March 14) |
💬 Korean Words and Phrases for Anniversaries
If you're planning to celebrate an anniversary in Korea — or with a Korean friend or partner — knowing the right words and phrases can make the moment more heartfelt. Anniversaries are full of emotional nuance, so learning key expressions will help you sound natural and sincere.
Let’s begin with the basics. The word for “anniversary” is “기념일” (ginyeomil). To say “our anniversary,” you can say “우리 기념일” (uri ginyeomil). Koreans often talk about dating anniversaries using the number of days — so “100th day” is “백일” (baegil) and “200th day” is “이백일” (ibaegil).
One essential sentence is “오늘 우리 기념일이야” (oneul uri ginyeomiriya / Today is our anniversary). You can also personalize it by saying “우리 300일 축하해” (uri sambaeg-il chukhahae / Happy 300th day to us!). The word “축하해” (chukhahae) means “congratulations” or “happy celebration.”
In romantic contexts, people often add sweet phrases like “항상 고마워” (hangsang gomawo / I’m always thankful) or “사랑해” (saranghae / I love you). These expressions are casual and affectionate — perfect for anniversaries with your partner.
Want to make it a bit more poetic? You could say, “너와 함께한 모든 날이 소중해” (neowa hamkkehan modeun nari sojunghae / Every day with you is precious). While that sounds like a drama line, Koreans do enjoy expressing their feelings a little dramatically, especially in written notes.
When talking about wedding anniversaries, people might say “결혼기념일 축하해요” (gyeolhon ginyeomil chukhahaeyo / Happy wedding anniversary). The polite ending “-해요” (-haeyo) is used when talking to in-laws or seniors.
Sometimes people even joke, especially online, by saying “솔로 기념일” (sollo ginyeomil / single anniversary) — a humorous way to mark the number of years someone’s been single. It’s playful, and you’ll often see hashtags like #1년차솔로 (il-nyeoncha sollo / 1st year single).
To ask someone when their anniversary is, you could say “기념일이 언제야?” (ginyeomiri eonjeya? / When is your anniversary?). It’s a casual way to show interest in their relationship or an important memory.
If you’re writing a card or message, a great closing line is “앞으로도 함께해요” (apeurodo hamkkehaeyo / Let’s stay together from now on too). It’s warm and future-facing, and commonly used in both romantic and friendship contexts.
Remember, in Korean, the way you say something matters as much as what you say. Use polite forms with elders, and casual speech with close friends or partners.
Whether it’s your 100th day or 10th year, using these phrases will help you sound thoughtful, respectful, and connected to Korean culture.
🗣️ Essential Korean Anniversary Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 우리 기념일 | uri ginyeomil | our anniversary |
| 축하해 | chukhahae | congratulations |
| 사랑해 | saranghae | I love you |
| 기념일이 언제야? | ginyeomiri eonjeya? | When is your anniversary? |
| 앞으로도 함께해요 | apeurodo hamkkehaeyo | Let’s stay together |
🗓️ How to Talk About Anniversary Dates in Korean
Knowing how to say and understand dates in Korean is essential for talking about anniversaries. Unlike English, Korean dates follow a Year-Month-Day structure, and both Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers are used depending on context.
Let’s start with the structure: 2025년 5월 14일 (i-cheon-i-sib-o nyeon o-wol sip-sa-il) means “May 14, 2025.” You’ll notice that 년 (nyeon) means “year,” 월 (wol) means “month,” and 일 (il) means “day.”
So if you want to say “Today is our anniversary,” you could say: “오늘은 우리 기념일이에요.” (oneureun uri ginyeomil-ieyo). To be specific, you might say “2026년 6월 20일이 우리 기념일이에요” (i-cheon-i-yuk nyeon yu-wol i-sip-il-i uri ginyeomil-ieyo / June 20, 2026 is our anniversary).
When talking about how long it has been since the anniversary, Koreans usually say how many days or years have passed. For example, “우리가 사귄 지 200일 됐어” (uriga sagwin ji i-baeg-il dwaesseo / It’s been 200 days since we started dating).
Here, the verb 되다 (doeda) means “to become” or “to pass.” This verb is often conjugated as 됐어요 (dwaesseoyo) for polite past tense. You’ll hear expressions like “우리 벌써 1년 됐어요” (uri beolsseo il-nyeon dwaesseoyo / It’s already been one year!) in casual conversation.
If you want to ask someone when their anniversary is, try saying “기념일이 언제예요?” (ginyeomiri eonjeyeyo? / When is your anniversary?). Or if you want to set a reminder, you can say “그날은 꼭 기억할게요” (geunareun kkok gieokhalgeyo / I’ll definitely remember that day).
For proposals or anniversaries related to marriage, people sometimes say “우리가 처음 만난 날 기억나?” (uriga cheoeum mannan nal gieokna? / Do you remember the day we first met?). That type of question is common in romantic K-dramas — and in real life!
When typing or texting, people often use date notations like “100일 D-1” (baegil D-minus-il / 1 day before our 100th day). This countdown style adds excitement and anticipation before an anniversary celebration.
Some couples even use shared calendar apps to track each milestone. You’ll often see notes like “우리 500일 💕” (uri o-baeg-il / our 500th day) pop up as a reminder on their phones — no one wants to forget!
Mastering date expressions in Korean gives you the confidence to plan events, understand invitations, and express feelings tied to time — which is central to Korean communication and culture.
So next time someone says “며칠 됐지?” (myeochil dwaetji? / How many days has it been?), you’ll be ready to answer — maybe even with a gift!
📅 Anniversary Date Expressions
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘은 우리 기념일이에요 | oneureun uri ginyeomil-ieyo | Today is our anniversary |
| 우리가 사귄 지 200일 됐어 | uriga sagwin ji i-baeg-il dwaesseo | It’s been 200 days since we started dating |
| 기념일이 언제예요? | ginyeomiri eonjeyeyo? | When is your anniversary? |
| 그날은 꼭 기억할게요 | geunareun kkok gieokhalgeyo | I’ll definitely remember that day |
| 며칠 됐지? | myeochil dwaetji? | How many days has it been? |
🎁 Unique Anniversary Gifts and Gestures in Korea
Korean anniversary culture isn’t just about remembering dates — it’s also about expressing feelings through gifts and actions. Many couples and friends in Korea go beyond simple greetings and show affection with creative gestures and carefully chosen presents.
For romantic couples, common gifts include “커플링” (keopeulling / couple rings), perfumes, flower bouquets, and custom photo albums. These aren’t just generic items — they often hold emotional meaning, like the first ring exchanged on the 100th day or a perfume chosen because it reminded someone of a partner.
Small DIY gifts are also very popular. People make handmade cards with messages like “너랑 함께여서 행복해” (neorang hamkkeyeoseo haengbokhae / I’m happy because I’m with you) or decorate a “기념일 상자” (ginyeomil sangja / anniversary box) filled with snacks and memories.
In more formal relationships like marriage, gifts may be more luxurious — watches, jewelry, or even vacation plans. Husbands sometimes prepare a surprise “호텔 스테이” (hotel seutei / hotel stay) and leave handwritten letters on the bed. It’s romantic and sincere.
Acts of service are also seen as important. Planning a surprise dinner, delivering lunch to a partner’s workplace, or organizing a picnic in the park are all gestures that mean, “I care about you.” These actions are often more valued than the gift itself.
K-pop culture has also influenced this trend. Idol fans celebrate debut anniversaries by preparing coffee trucks, digital ads, and even subway station banners. This idea of public celebration (called “서포트” / seopoteu) is now seen in personal relationships too — think photo zones and couple banners in cafes!
On social media, people write captions like “사랑해, 오늘도” (saranghae, oneuldo / I love you, today too) under couple photos. Others create short videos with the day count: “D+300,” often shared on Instagram stories or TikTok with soft music and photo clips.
You’ll also find custom cakes with messages like “우리 사랑 1주년” (uri sarang il-junyeon / Our 1st anniversary of love). These cakes are sometimes decorated with characters the couple likes or emojis that represent their inside jokes.
What matters most in Korean gift-giving is the meaning behind it. A cheap gift with deep thought often means more than an expensive one given without context. That’s why people say, “마음이 담긴 선물이 최고야” (maeumi damgin seonmuri choegoya / A gift from the heart is the best).
So if you’re planning an anniversary with a Korean partner or friend, don’t focus only on price — focus on the story behind the gift and the time you spend preparing it.
🎀 Popular Anniversary Gifts & Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 커플링 | keopeulling | couple rings |
| 기념일 상자 | ginyeomil sangja | anniversary box |
| 사랑해, 오늘도 | saranghae, oneuldo | I love you, today too |
| 호텔 스테이 | hotel seutei | hotel stay |
| 마음이 담긴 선물 | maeumi damgin seonmul | gift from the heart |
🎬 Real-Life Anniversary Situations in Korean
Understanding vocabulary is one thing — but using it naturally in real-life situations is another. In this section, you’ll explore how Koreans express love, memory, and gratitude through casual but meaningful conversations around anniversaries.
Let’s start with a simple moment between two close friends, where one reminds the other of a special day:
A: “오늘 무슨 날인지 알아?” (oneul museun narinji ara? / Do you know what day it is today?)
B: “기념일이잖아! 내가 어찌 잊겠어.” (ginyeomirijana! naega eojji itgesseo / It’s our anniversary! How could I ever forget?)
Romantic conversations often include soft, heartfelt words filled with affection and sincerity:
A: “오늘 너랑 함께할 수 있어서 정말 좋아.” (oneul neorang hamkkehal su isseoseo jeongmal joa / I’m really happy to be with you today.)
B: “나도. 오늘 평생 기억에 남을 것 같아.” (nado. oneul pyeongsaeng gieoge nameul geot gata / Me too. I think today will stay in my memory forever.)
In family settings, expressions are more formal but filled with respect:
“어머니, 결혼기념일 축하드려요.” (eomeoni, gyeolhon ginyeomil chukhadeuryeoyo / Mom, congratulations on your wedding anniversary.)
“아버지를 위해 특별히 준비했어요.” (abeojireul wihae teukbyeolhi junbihesseoyo / I prepared something special for Dad.)
On social media, you might see romantic captions like:
“365일 중 오늘이 제일 행복했어. 사랑해.” (sam-baeg-yuk-sip-il jung oneuri jeil haengbokhaesseo. saranghae / Of all 365 days, today made me the happiest. I love you.)
Or a nostalgic message shared in a reunion photo post:
“우리 만난 지 10년… 그날이 아직도 선명해.” (uri mannan ji ship-nyeon… geunariga ajikdo seonmyeonghae / 10 years since we met… that day is still vivid in my mind.)
If you forget an anniversary, a sincere apology can still go a long way:
“정말 미안해. 오늘을 잊을 줄은 몰랐어. 다시는 안 그럴게.” (jeongmal mianhae. oneureul ijeul juneun mollasseo. dasineun an geureolge / I'm so sorry. I never meant to forget today. I won’t let it happen again.)
Some people use voice messages or calls to express their feelings when they can’t be together in person:
“지금 옆에 없지만, 마음만은 함께야.” (jigeum yeope eopjiman, maeummaneun hamkkeya / I may not be by your side, but my heart is with you.)
These real-life phrases show that anniversaries in Korea are about more than dates — they’re moments of connection, vulnerability, and deep emotional sharing.
💌 Real-Life Romantic & Heartfelt Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘 너랑 함께할 수 있어서 정말 좋아 | oneul neorang hamkkehal su isseoseo jeongmal joa | I'm really happy to be with you today |
| 오늘 평생 기억에 남을 것 같아 | oneul pyeongsaeng gieoge nameul geot gata | I think today will stay in my memory forever |
| 정말 미안해. 다시는 안 그럴게 | jeongmal mianhae. dasineun an geureolge | I'm really sorry. I won't let it happen again |
| 지금 옆에 없지만, 마음만은 함께야 | jigeum yeope eopjiman, maeummaneun hamkkeya | Even if I’m not with you, my heart is |
| 우리 만난 지 10년… 그날이 아직도 선명해 | uri mannan ji ship-nyeon… geunariga ajikdo seonmyeonghae | 10 years since we met… that day is still vivid |
📌 FAQ
Q1. What does “기념일 (ginyeomil)” mean in Korean?
A1. “Ginyeomil” means “anniversary” and is used to mark any meaningful day or event, such as romantic milestones or memorial days.
Q2. What are the most commonly celebrated anniversaries in Korea?
A2. Couples often celebrate the 100th day (baeg-il), 1-year anniversary (il-ju-nyeon), Valentine’s Day, White Day, and Christmas together.
Q3. How do I say “We’ve been dating for one year” in Korean?
A3. You can say: “우리가 사귄 지 1년 됐어.” (uriga sagwin ji il-nyeon dwaesseo).
Q4. What’s the proper date format in Korean?
A4. The order is year → month → day. For example, May 14, 2025 = 2025년 5월 14일 (i-cheon-i-sib-o nyeon o-wol sip-sa-il).
Q5. Do Koreans celebrate small milestones like 100 days?
A5. Yes! Celebrating 100-day, 200-day, etc., milestones is quite common among young couples in Korea.
Q6. Do friends celebrate anniversaries too?
A6. Not as commonly, but very close friends may celebrate things like “10 years since we met” in a casual way.
Q7. What’s a romantic way to say “Happy anniversary” in Korean?
A7. Try: “오늘 너랑 함께해서 행복해.” (oneul neorang hamkkehaeseo haengbokhae / I’m happy to be with you today).
Q8. How do you say “wedding anniversary” in Korean?
A8. It’s “결혼기념일” (gyeolhon ginyeomil).
Q9. What do you say if you forgot the anniversary?
A9. A heartfelt apology like: “미안해. 잊은 게 아니야.” (mianhae. ijeun ge aniya / I’m sorry. I didn’t forget on purpose) works well.
Q10. How do you say “Can you believe it’s already one year?” in Korean?
A10. “우리 벌써 1년이네~” (uri beolsseo il-nyeon-ine~).
Q11. What’s a cute way to celebrate 100 days in Korean culture?
A11. Many couples exchange couple rings (커플링 / keopeulling), go on dates, and give handwritten letters or DIY gifts.
Q12. What is “D+100” in Korean posts?
A12. It means "Day 100" — a way to count how many days you’ve been together. “D+100” is often shared with couple photos.
Q13. Do Koreans use months or days for anniversaries?
A13. Both! Young couples prefer counting in days (100일 / baeg-il), while married couples often celebrate by year.
Q14. What is “화이트데이 (White Day)”?
A14. On March 14, men give gifts to women in return for Valentine’s Day — it’s the opposite of Western custom.
Q15. What should I say on a wedding anniversary?
A15. “결혼기념일 축하해요” (gyeolhon ginyeomil chukhahaeyo / Happy wedding anniversary) is the formal version.
Q16. Is forgetting an anniversary a big deal in Korea?
A16. For many people, yes! Especially among younger couples, anniversaries are seen as signs of love and care.
Q17. What are “커플템 (couple items)?”
A17. They’re matching items for couples — like shirts, rings, or phone cases — to show their relationship publicly.
Q18. Do Koreans celebrate the first kiss anniversary?
A18. Some do! Especially younger couples or high school students enjoy celebrating personal milestone days like that.
Q19. What’s a heartfelt phrase for a one-year anniversary?
A19. Try: “1년 동안 고마웠어. 앞으로도 잘 부탁해.” (il-nyeon dongan gomawosseo. apeurodo jal butakhae / Thank you for this year. Please stay with me in the future too.)
Q20. Can I use “축하해요 (chukhahaeyo)” for any anniversary?
A20. Yes, it’s a safe and polite phrase that works for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and achievements.
Q21. How do I write “Happy 100th Day” in Korean?
A21. You can write: “100일 축하해!” (baeg-il chukhahae! / Happy 100th Day!). It’s casual and commonly used.
Q22. What’s a poetic Korean phrase for anniversaries?
A22. “너와 함께한 모든 날이 기념일이야.” (neowa hamkkehan modeun nari ginyeomiriya / Every day with you is an anniversary.)
Q23. Is it okay to bring gifts for anniversaries in Korea?
A23. Definitely! Small, thoughtful gifts like flowers, letters, or matching accessories are appreciated.
Q24. What’s a dramatic phrase for forgetting an anniversary?
A24. “나 죽을 죄를 지었어…” (na jugeul joereul jieosseo / I committed a grave sin…). Often used jokingly!
Q25. Do Korean apps remind couples of anniversaries?
A25. Yes! Apps like “Between” help couples count days, share photos, and set reminders for special days.
Q26. How do I say “Let’s celebrate tonight” in Korean?
A26. Say: “오늘 밤은 우리 기념일 파티하자!” (oneul bameun uri ginyeomil pati haja! / Let’s have an anniversary party tonight!)
Q27. Can I say “기념일” for birthdays?
A27. Not really — Koreans use “생일 (saeng-il)” for birthday. “기념일” is for romantic or meaningful event days.
Q28. How do I say “I remembered our anniversary” in Korean?
A28. “우리 기념일 기억했지~” (uri ginyeomil gieokhaetji~ / Of course I remembered our anniversary~)
Q29. What’s a flirty line to say on an anniversary?
A29. “오늘따라 더 예뻐 보인다~” (oneulttara deo yeppeo boinda~ / You look even more beautiful today~)
Q30. What if I want to say “Let’s keep celebrating every year”?
A30. “매년 오늘을 함께하자.” (maenyeon oneureul hamkkehaja / Let’s spend this day together every year.)
Disclaimer: The content provided in this post is for educational and cultural learning purposes only. It is designed to help language learners understand Korean expressions and cultural nuances related to anniversaries. This is not professional relationship advice or official cultural representation.
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