{
  "id": 19074731,
  "title": "How to celebrate Pepero Day, Korea's sweetest tradition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/how-to-celebrate-pepero-day-koreas-sweetest-tradition",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T03:07:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/travel-food/20261109/how-to-celebrate-pepero-day-koreas-sweetest-tradition"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When November 11th arrives in South Korea, expect the sight of supermarket shelves brimming with boxes of thin, chocolate-coated biscuit sticks. This is Pepero Day, one of Korea’s most lively and enjoyable unofficial holidays. Originating from Lotte Wellfood in 1983, Pepero has transformed from a mere brand name to a familiar term signifying all long, slender biscuit sticks in the country.\n\nThe origins of this phenomenon are said to have begun in the 1990s, initiated by middle school students in Yeongnam who began exchanging the biscuit sticks as a gesture of wishing each other to both grow tall and slender. Over time, this tradition has transformed into a nationwide celebration of friendship, romance, and affection. Exchanging Pepero sticks has become the ultimate expression of care and affection for someone.\n\nWhether you are searching for a quick, budget-friendly snack or an extravagant artisanal gift, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate Pepero Day seamlessly. Celebrating this popular November tradition does not necessitate spending a fortune. In the days leading up to November 11th, the country’s leading convenience store chains — CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 — play a pivotal role in making this holiday accessible to everyone.",
  "summary": "If you happen to be in Korea on Nov. 11, you might notice store shelves overflowing with boxes of thin, chocolate-coated biscuit sticks. Welcome to Pepero Day, one of Korea’s most vibrant and fun informal holidays. First launched by Lotte Wellfood in 1983, Pepero has grown from a simple brand name into a household term representing all long, thin biscuit sticks here. Legend has it that the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pepero Day celebrated on November 11th in South Korea",
    "Biscuit sticks symbolize friendship, romance, and affection",
    "Convenience stores offer affordable Pepero Day treats"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The evolution of a single snack brand into a nationwide symbol of affection demonstrates how consumer products can transform into cultural rituals that drive seasonal retail engagement.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}