SEOUL: Cash is the unromantic but preferred Valentine’s Day gift this year as the economic downturn bites in South Korea, a report said yesterday.

In contrast to other societies, Korean women traditionally give single men gifts to mark Feb 14. The men give women presents on March 14 to express their affection.

The Korea Herald, citing a poll by a local matchmaking firm, said 27 per cent of 256 men who were interviewed opted for cash while 13 per cent chose travel-related gifts.

Only 7 per cent wanted chocolate – the most popular gift in previous years – and about a third said flowers were the last thing they wanted.

– AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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