November is now here! What do you think of when you think of November? When you think of November, do you think of a Korean snack called Pepero? I think my friends who live in Korea know very well about Pepero, and I think you all know that November 11th every year is Pepero Day.
Did you know that this ‘Pepero’ day is called ‘Pepero Day’ in Korea? Also, do you know why Koreans consider ‘Pepero Day’ so important? 'Pepero Day' will soon come in a few days, so this time, we would like to introduce you to this special day on the occasion of 'Pepero Day'!
Introduction to ‘Pepero Day’
Pepero Day is a special holiday in Korea that is celebrated every year on November 11th. On this day, friends and lovers express their affection and friendship by gifting or exchanging chocolate snacks called Pepero. The name and date of Pepero Day were created because Pepero snacks have a similar shape to the number 1.
Source: Why did our school ignore ‘Pepero Day’? - OhmyNews (ohmynews.com)
The origins of Pepero Day are unclear, but the most likely theory is that in 1994, high school girls in Busan or Yeongnam hoped to become slimmer by sharing Pepero snacks. Later, Lotte, the manufacturer of Pepero snacks, used this story in its marketing, making it even more famous. November 11, 2011 was also called Millennium Pepero Day, claiming that it was a special day that comes once every thousand years.
However, Pepero Day also has some critical opinions. Some people believe that this day is a ploy by certain companies to promote unhealthy and fattening snacks. Additionally, some argue that because this day overlaps with Farmers' Day, which has been in effect since 1996, it fails to pay tribute to farmers. So, as an alternative, I suggested a rice cake day. Garaetteok is a white rice cake and has a shape similar to Pepero. Since barley rice cakes are usually made and sold in small stores, they are said to be helpful to the local economy.
Despite this, many people still enjoy Pepero Day. On this day, Pepero snacks of various types and shapes are sold, and many people give homemade Pepero as gifts. Additionally, some people consider this day not simply a day to share sweets, but a day to pray with their wishes. For example, it is said that if you eat 11 peperos at 11:11:11, your wish will come true, or write down 11 wishes, fold them, and store them.
In conclusion, Pepero Day can be said to be a unique and fun culture in Korea. On this day, you can convey gratitude and joy to the people you love and respect through Pepero cookies.
Reasons for the popularity of ‘Pepero Day’
Pepero Day is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with friends and lovers and express interest and affection for one another. Pepero snacks are small and simple, but if you make them yourself or decorate them as gifts, they can become a more meaningful and special gift.
Pepero Day is a fun and unique cultural event. It's an interesting idea that the shape and date of Pepero snacks are similar to the number 1, and you can use this to play various events or games. For example, if you eat 11 peperos at 11:11:11, your wish will come true, or write down 11 wishes, fold them, and store them.
Source: Where to go on a Pepero Day date? Find out about gifts for couples! : Naver blog (naver.com)
Pepero Day has a different color from traditional Korean holidays. Most holidays in Korea are important to spend with family, and require complex and cumbersome preparations. However, Pepero Day can be enjoyed with friends or lovers, and it is simple to prepare.
