Checked against public Korean sources · Updated Nov 5, 2026
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Short answer: Pepero Day is on November 11 (this year a Wednesday). Koreans give each other Pepero, thin chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks, because the date "11.11" looks like four sticks. It is not a public holiday. Offices, schools and shops stay open, but convenience stores turn into Pepero gift shops for the week.
Should foreigners join in? Yes, and it is an easy way to make friends. A small box for coworkers, classmates or your neighbor is friendly, cheap and never awkward.
Pepero Day 2026 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
| Public holiday? | No. Normal work and school day |
| What people give | Pepero sticks, gift sets, or homemade chocolate sticks |
| Who gives to whom | Friends, couples, classmates, coworkers, family |
| Same day | Farmers' Day and Garaetteok (rice cake) Day in Korea; Singles' Day sales in China |
Why November 11?
The idea is simple: 1-1-1-1 looks like four Pepero sticks standing in a row. Pepero itself has been sold in Korea since the 1980s. The custom of giving it on 11/11 began among students in the 1990s and spread nationwide as stores and media picked it up.
Today it works a bit like a lighter version of Valentine's Day. Couples exchange big gift boxes, but most people simply hand out a few packs to friends and coworkers as a small "thinking of you" gesture.
The other November 11: Garaetteok Day
November 11 is also Farmers' Day (농업인의 날) in Korea. To promote local rice, the government and farming groups encourage people to share garaetteok, long white rice cake sticks that also look like "11." Some schools and offices hand out rice cakes instead of chocolate. If you want a healthier or more traditional gift, rice cake shops and markets sell garaetteok gift packs around this day.
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What to buy and where
- Convenience stores: the easiest option. From early November, almost every store sets up a big Pepero display with single packs, multipacks and gift sets with toys or cases.
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets: better prices for multipacks if you are buying for a whole office or classroom.
- Bakeries and dessert cafés: handmade chocolate sticks with nuts or sprinkles, nice for someone special.
- DIY kits: stores and online shops sell kits with plain biscuit sticks, chocolate and toppings. Popular with couples and families.
Gift etiquette for foreigners
- At work: a few multipacks left on the office snack table, or one pack per desk, is common. There is no pressure to give to your boss specifically.
- At school: teachers and classmates swap packs. If your child goes to a Korean school, sending a small pack per classmate is a kind gesture, but check if the school has a "no gifts" rule.
- Romantic meaning: a big, decorated gift box can read as romantic. For friends and coworkers, plain packs are safest.
- Allergies: many versions contain nuts, milk or wheat. Check the label if you are giving to kids.
Your Pepero Day checklist
- Buy a day or two early. Popular gift sets sell out by the evening of November 10.
- Count your group (team, class, neighbors) and buy multipacks.
- Add a short note. "빼빼로데이 축하해요!" (Happy Pepero Day!) is perfect.
- Want something different? Try garaetteok for a local, rice-based twist.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pepero Day a day off in Korea?
No. It is a normal working and school day.
Do I have to give Pepero to everyone?
No. It is completely optional. Small, casual gifts are the norm.
Is Pepero Day the same as Singles' Day?
No. They fall on the same date, but Singles' Day is a Chinese online shopping event. In Korea, November 11 is about Pepero and garaetteok.
Planning more autumn fun in Korea? See our guides to the Korea Grand Sale and tax refunds for tourists.
Last checked: November 5, 2026, against public information on Korea's Farmers' Day and Pepero Day customs. This guide is general information; local practices may vary.
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