11.11 | Pepero Day

What Is 11.11 Pepero Day in Korea?

On November 11th every year, Koreans across the country celebrate Pepero Day (빼빼로 데이), a fun, chocolate-filled holiday dedicated to sharing thin, cookie-like sticks called Pepero. Although not a public holiday, it’s one of Korea’s most popular commercial celebrations, similar in spirit to Valentine’s Day. Friends, couples, colleagues, and even families exchange boxes of Pepero as a gesture of affection, friendship, and appreciation.

Some even say that if you eat 11 packetss of Pepero on November 11th at exactly 11:11 a.m. and 11:11 p.m. in 11 seconds, you’ll become tall and slim like a Pepero stick. A quirky superstition that adds to the fun.

The Story Behind 11.11 Pepero Day

The date 11/11 was chosen because the numbers resemble four Pepero sticks standing in a row. First celebrated in the late 1990s, the tradition has since grown into a nationwide event filled with gift-giving and, of course, self-indulgence, because who can resist chocolate-covered snacks? While couples often exchange Pepero to express love, it’s also common for friends or singles to treat themselves. Interestingly, November 11th is also Garaetteok Day (Korean Rice Cake Day), which honors farmers with long rice cakes that, just like Pepero, share the same stick-like shape.

Pepero Day Goes Global

In recent years, Pepero Day has been gaining international attention, with efforts underway to establish it as a global commemorative day. Leading this initiative is Lotte Wellfood, the brand behind Pepero, which launched a worldwide marketing campaign ahead of November 11. The company is bringing the holiday spirit to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Hanoi, using large-scale outdoor ads and interactive events to share Korea’s chocolatey tradition with the world.
In Times Square, New York, digital ads light up the iconic TSX Broadway building, seen by roughly 450,000 passersby daily, and visitors can enjoy Pepero-themed photo zones and tasting booths in Father Duffy Square. Similar celebrations are planned across LA and Vietnam, while in Korea, the campaign spans 55 major subway stations, including the bustling Hongdae area. To connect with global audiences, Lotte Wellfood has teamed up with Stray Kids as their international ambassadors, promoting the message that November 11 is Pepero Day. Through these efforts, Lotte hopes to turn this uniquely Korean celebration into a sweet global tradition.

Play the Pepero Game!

If you’ve ever wanted to add a little fun (and maybe a touch of romance) to your Pepero Day celebration, the Pepero Game is a must-try. Also known as the Pepero Kiss Game, it’s a playful challenge where two people each hold one end of a Pepero stick in their mouths and take turns nibbling toward the center. It is kind of like the famous spaghetti scene from The Lady and the Tramp. The goal is to see which team can end up with the shortest remaining Pepero stick without actually kissing. The closer you’re willing to get, the better your chances of winning! Whether played between couples, friends, or even as a party game, it’s a lighthearted way to share laughs (and maybe a little blush) on November 11.

How Pepero Day Started

How did Koreans come to celebrate November 11th by eating chocolate-covered biscuits while many other countries observe Remembrance Day or Veterans Day? The exact origins are somewhat unclear, wrapped in myth and marketing alike. According to Lotte, the story began in the 1980s, when a pair of schoolgirls exchanged Pepero sticks, wishing to become tall and slim like the snack itself. The tale stuck — quite literally — and evolved into a fun superstition that says eating 11 packets of Pepero at exactly 11:11 a.m. and 11:11 p.m. on November 11th will help you achieve that goal.

However, a more likely explanation is much simpler: Pepero sticks resemble the number 1, making 11/11 the perfect date to celebrate the snack. Whatever the truth, Pepero Day has become a marketing triumph for Lotte, accounting for nearly half of the brand’s annual sales — and perhaps a few extra boxes for anyone who can’t resist dipping them into a warm cup of coffee.

Pepero Day Gift Ideas

Exchanging boxes of Pepero with friends, family, or your partner is the most common way to celebrate Pepero Day, but Koreans have found many creative ways to make the occasion extra special. Beyond the classic chocolate-covered snack, there are plenty of thoughtful and fun alternatives that show just how sweet (and inventive) this holiday can be.

Gift Variations & Creative Twists

• Gift baskets and bundles: Instead of giving just one box, try curating a themed Pepero gift basket filled with assorted flavors, chocolates, candies, or even coffee and tea to pair with the snack. Many stores release limited-edition boxes and decorative packaging just for this holiday.
  
• Pepero-inspired gifts: You can find everything from Pepero-shaped cushions and pens to DIY craft kits and keychains. These are popular among younger Koreans and make for cute, lighthearted presents that go beyond food.
  
• Money Pepero (돈 빼빼로 / donppaeppaero): For someone who isn’t into sweets, a creative twist is to roll up paper bills to resemble Pepero sticks and place them inside a Pepero-style box — turning it into a clever and practical gift.
  
• DIY Pepero treats: Want to make your gift more personal? Try dipping biscuit sticks in melted chocolate and adding toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles. Homemade Pepero is a heartfelt (and delicious) way to show someone you care.
  
• A Pepero for yourself: Don’t forget to treat yourself! Pick up different Pepero flavors — from double-coated chocolate to almond or nude varieties — and enjoy them with a warm drink. After all, Pepero Day is also about sharing happiness, even with yourself.

💡 Local Tip:
If you’re in Korea during early November, you’ll see Pepero displays everywhere, from convenience stores to major supermarkets. Brands start rolling out special gift sets and themed packaging as early as late October, often featuring collaborations with K-pop idols or limited-edition flavors. Grab them early — popular sets tend to sell out fast!

How to Say “Happy Pepero Day” in Korean

If you want to wish someone a Happy Pepero Day in Korean, you can say “빼빼로데이 축하해요!” (ppaeppaerodei chukahaeyo!) — which literally means “Congratulations on Pepero Day!” Since it’s a day meant for sharing sweetness and appreciation, this simple phrase is perfect to include in your greetings. You can even write it on a small card or note to go along with your Pepero gift. And if you’re learning Korean, this is a fun way to practice writing in Hangeul and make your message feel extra personal.