After a couple makes their commitment official, time tracking becomes a shared project. In South Korea, couples celebrate romantic longevity far more granularly than through simple annual anniversaries. Smartphone apps like Between and The Day Before track progress toward the celebrated 100-day anniversary (baegil, 백일).
The 100-day milestone carries historical roots. In pre-modern Korea, high infant mortality meant babies reaching their hundredth day had passed an essential survival mark, prompting village-wide celebrations. Modern youth culture adapted this celebration into romance. A couple surviving their first 100 days has demonstrated genuine compatibility beyond initial infatuation.
On day 100, partners exchange meaningful gifts, share elaborate dinners, and often exchange couple rings (keopeullring, 커플링). These rings are worn on the left ring finger, functioning as a public statement of exclusivity long before engagement enters the conversation.
Commercial traditions stretch across the calendar. Alongside traditional Valentine's Day on February 14 (where women traditionally gift chocolate to men) and White Day on March 14 (where men reciprocate with candy and gifts), the 14th of every single month carries an informal theme. November 11 brings Pepero Day, where millions exchange chocolate-covered biscuit sticks. Affection in this environment is sustained through visible, structured participation rather than isolated verbal declarations.
