November 11 is Pepero Day in South Korea every year. People give chocolate–covered biscuit sticks to their friends, family, and classmates. There are fun things to do all day, small gifts, and acts of sharing or love.
What is the day of Pepero?
Every year on November 11, people in Korea celebrate Pepero Day in a casual way. Four Pepero sticks make up the date 11/11. People give Pepero sticks to their friends, family, and classmates. The sticks are thin cookies that are covered in chocolate, and sometimes they have nuts or other flavors in them. Some people make them at home, while others buy them. Small exchanges are common at schools and workplaces. To get people to shop on the day, stores offer discounts and gift sets. Pepero Day isn’t a real holiday; it’s just for fun. Giving small gifts on this day is important for social and cultural reasons.
The main things that make Pepero Day special are:
- Giving Pepero sticks to friends, family, and classmates
- Getting or making cookies with chocolate on top
- Giving and getting small gifts at work or school
- Special packaging and sales in stores
Where it came from and its history
In South Korea, Pepero Day began in the 1980s. A candy company promoted the day because Pepero sticks look like November 11. First, kids and students traded sticks to show they were friends, and cared about each other. In the 1990s, the celebration grew thanks to media and business campaigns. Many people observe it even though it isn’t a recognized public holiday. Like Valentine’s Day and White Day, Pepero Day is a day when people give each other small gifts. Over time, many different flavors, packaging, and creative gifts have come out, but the original idea is still linked to the biscuit snack and the date of November 11.
Here are some significant historical events:
- A candy company started it in the 1980s.
- November 11 was chosen, because it looks like Pepero sticks.
- At first, schoolchildren celebrated it.
- The celebration spread all over the country in the 1990s through media and business campaigns.
- This celebration is similar to the customs of Valentine’s Day and White Day.
How People Have Fun
People in South Korea celebrate Pepero Day in many different ways. People give Pepero sticks to friends, classmates, coworkers, and family. Some people buy prepackaged sticks at the store, while others make their own Pepero with chocolate and decorations. Schools often plan events where students trade sticks and little notes. People at work sometimes offer each other gifts. Pepero Day is a day when couples can show how much they care about each other. Stores and supermarkets sell gift boxes, colorful packaging, and flavors that are only available for a short time. A lot of people are posting on social media about creative gifts and Pepero recipes. Some people make big displays of Pepero or shape them into hearts. The day is fun and social, with giving, sharing and being creative.
Things people do to celebrate:
- Giving and receiving Pepero sticks from friends, classmates, and coworkers
- Making your own Pepero with chocolate and other things
- Giving gifts at work and school
- Couples giving Pepero gifts to show they care
- Participating in creative displays or social media challenges
Trends and Criticism in the Present
Pepero Day has changed over the years due to trends and business. People like new flavors, big Pepero sticks and creative packaging. Trends on social media make people want to give and show off their gifts in creative ways. Certain people plan events or charity drives in the community related to the day. Even though it is popular a few people don’t enjoy it. Several individuals think Pepero Day is too commercialized and pressures students and young people to spend money. Others also say that focusing on material gifts may make simple acts of friendship less important, excess production and packaging waste are harmful to the environment. Still, many people enjoy Pepero Day for its cultural and social aspects. In South Korea, it is still a fun and widely celebrated unofficial holiday.
Current issues and trends:
- New flavors and huge Pepero sticks are now available.
- Sharing on social media and coming up with creative gift ideas.
- Pepero Day events for the community and for charity.
- There is criticism directed towards commercialization and the pressure to consume
- Concerns about the environment when it comes to packaging and waste