Pepero Day

Pepero Day is a celebration observed in South Korea, similar to Valentine's Day, but held on November 11. The day is named after the Korean snack Pepero and is observed mostly by young people and couples, who exchange Pepero sticks, other candies, and romantic gifts.

Etymology

The name "Pepero Day" is derived from the Korean snack Pepero. The day is held on November 11, as the date "11/11" resembles four sticks of Pepero. The holiday is observed mostly by young people and couples, who exchange Pepero sticks, other candies, and gifts.

History

Pepero Day was reportedly started in 1994 by students of a middle school in Busan, where they exchanged Pepero sticks as gifts to wish each other to grow "as tall and slender as a Pepero".

Observance

On Pepero Day, it is common to exchange boxes of Pepero with each other in South Korea. Exchanging Peperos is not only romantic, but it is also done amongst friends, family, and colleagues. It's also common for children to exchange Peperos with their friends at school.

Criticism

Pepero Day has been criticized for being a marketing ploy by Lotte Confectionery, the company that produces Pepero. However, the company has denied starting the holiday and instead states that it is a grassroots tradition started by middle school students.

See also

• Valentine's Day
• White Day
• Black Day
• Korean culture

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  Pepero Almond Sticks
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  Pepero Day