"These days, carnations have become a burden. We don't bother to stock many of them anymore."

On the 7th, a day before Parents' Day, a stall at the Jongno Flower Market in Seoul displayed potted carnations, but there were few visitors. Photo by Byun Seonjin

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On May 7, a day before Parents' Day, Kim Yongcheol (age 69), a vendor at the Jongno Flower Market in Seoul, said that carnations were not selling well. About ten years ago, even a generous stock of carnations would sell out, but the situation has changed recently. Kim said, "Perhaps because the Parents' Day period coincides with a long holiday and many people are traveling abroad, business seems particularly slow this year."

The situation was similar at other shops in the Jongno Flower Market. It was not uncommon to find stores that did not carry carnations at all. Kim Jeongja (age 70), who has been selling flowers for more than ten years, said, "I didn't sell a single carnation today," and added, "Even if I sell a bunch of carnations for 10,000 won, the profit is only about 2,000 won. Since they don't sell, I think I'll have to stop displaying carnations from next year."

While carnations, once the "symbol of Parents' Day," have lost their appeal, gifts made by packaging cash have become very popular. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) Flower Business Center on May 8, from April 28 to May 3, the number of potted carnation plants sold was 79,477, a 32.8% decrease compared to the same period last year (118,373). During this period, cut carnations ranked fourth in sales, after roses, gerberas, and chrysanthemums. Cut carnations have been in decline ever since they lost the top spot to roses for the first time in 2020.

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The popularity of "cash gifts" is soaring. According to a survey conducted by Lotte Members on April 30 of 2,000 men and women nationwide in their 20s to 60s, both parents (70.8%) and children (83.9%) chose "allowance" as the most preferred Parents' Day gift. The older generation also welcomes cash gifts. Kim Moonsik (age 74) said, "At my age, when I'm worried about medication and hospital bills, cash is the most practical gift to receive." Lim Miryeong (age 64), whose child recently got married, said, "As long as there is sincerity and thought, whether it's flowers or anything else, it doesn't matter," but added, "With prices so high these days, it's better to give at least some cash if possible."

Both the giver and the receiver
agree that 'Allowance' is the No.1 gift for Parents' Day

Money bouquets, cakes, albums, fireworks, etc.
Cash creatively packaged as a gift

Gifts that creatively package cash have become the new "must-have items." On Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms, people are sharing reviews of purchasing DIY kits for cash gifts to give to their parents. These gifts range from money bouquets and cakes to cash albums and books, and even money that bursts out like fireworks. Yoon Seonghwi (age 33), an office worker, said, "A few days ago, I went down to my hometown of Andong in North Gyeongsang Province and gave my parents a box of coffee mix containing 1 million won. My parents were definitely more touched than when I just give them an envelope or transfer money to their account."

Noh Jincheol, a sociology professor at Kyungpook National University, said, "As a symbol of filial piety, the carnation was imported from the West and has nothing to do with Korea's traditional culture of filial duty. Unlike carnations, cash is a gift that allows parents to choose what they want for themselves, so the essence of gift-giving is shifting from formality to practical satisfaction."