November 11, 2026 — a Wednesday — is Pepero Day (빼빼로데이) in Korea. On this day, Koreans give each other Pepero (pronounced ppae-ppae-ro), thin chocolate-covered biscuit sticks made by Lotte, because the date 11/11 looks like four Pepero sticks standing in a row. If you live in Seattle, you don’t need to fly to Seoul to join in: Pepero is stocked in the snack aisles of Korean and Asian grocery stores around the city. This guide explains what Pepero Day is, how Koreans celebrate it, and exactly where to buy Pepero in Seattle — plus which flavors to try and answers to common questions.
What Is Pepero Day?
Pepero Day is an unofficial gift-giving custom observed in South Korea every November 11. Friends, classmates, coworkers, and couples exchange boxes of Pepero with handwritten notes. It is not a public holiday — schools and offices run normally — but convenience stores and supermarkets across Korea turn into walls of red Pepero boxes for about two weeks before the date.
For English-speaking readers, the closest comparison is Valentine’s Day, but lower-stakes: the default is a light, friendly gesture (a $2–$4 box with a sticky note), and there is an entire etiquette of who gets which box. Classmates get the classic original; a crush might get a limited-edition gift set.
Where Did Pepero Day Come From?
The widely reported origin: in 1994, a group of middle school girls in Busan began exchanging Pepero on November 11, wishing to grow “tall and slim like a Pepero stick” (Korea JoongAng Daily; KBS World, quoting Lotte branding manager Koo Ja-ryung). Lotte itself launched Pepero in 1983, and the company began marketing around November 11 in 2000 (KBS World).
One note for American readers: November 11 is Veterans Day in the United States. In Korea it is not a holiday at all — Pepero Day is purely a commercial-cultural custom, closer to how the U.S. treats National Donut Day than a federal observance.
How Do Koreans Celebrate on November 11?
The ritual is simple: buy Pepero, attach a note, hand it to someone. Offices see desks decorated with Pepero towers; schools see students trading boxes between classes. In recent years a counter-trend has emerged among Gen Z Koreans who find the custom overly commercial — some now celebrate “Garaetteok Day” (long white rice-cake sticks) on the same date instead, a quiet protest against the marketing machine.
If you want to participate from Seattle, the formula is the same: pick up a few boxes, write short notes (“Happy Pepero Day!”), and share them at school or work. It is a genuinely charming icebreaker for introducing Korean culture to non-Korean friends.
Where to Buy Pepero in Seattle
This is the question English-language guides usually skip. Here is the practical answer for the Seattle area:
Korean grocery stores (best selection). H Mart and Uwajimaya carry Pepero in their snack aisles, typically with multiple flavors plus seasonal gift sets in early November. Availability varies by store and timing — the 2026 seasonal displays usually appear in late October, so check ahead if you are making a special trip.
Other Asian grocery stores. Larger pan-Asian markets in the International District, Lynnwood, and Federal Way often stock the original and almond flavors year-round.
Online. If local stores are sold out, Korean online grocers and marketplaces ship Pepero domestically; order by early November to beat the 11/11 rush.
Prices in the U.S. typically run $2–$4 per single box and $8–$15 for gift sets — roughly double Korean convenience-store prices, which is normal for imported snacks.
Which Pepero Flavors Should You Try?
| Flavor | Profile | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Original (Chocolate) | The 1983 classic — milk chocolate coating | First-timers; the safe gift |
| Almond | Chocolate + crushed almonds | The most popular upgrade in Korea |
| White Cookie | White chocolate + cookie crumbs | Sweet-tooth friends |
| Strawberry / Choco Cookie | Fruity or cookies-and-cream twists | Kids; variety packs |
| Gift sets (seasonal) | Large boxes, character editions | Crushes, coworkers — the “real” Pepero Day gift |
For 2026, Lotte Wellfood announced its seasonal lineup in mid-October, including a Stray Kids edition and roughly ten package variations (via beautipin). Limited editions sell out first in Korea and trickle into U.S. stores in small quantities — if you see one in Seattle, grab it.
How Is Pepero Different From Pocky?
The inevitable question. Pocky (Glico, Japan) came first (1966) and is the global brand; Pepero (Lotte, Korea, 1983) is thicker, with a heavier chocolate coating, and dominates the Korean market. Koreans are well aware of the resemblance and do not care — on November 11, only Pepero counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pepero Day a public holiday in Korea?
No. It is an unofficial commercial custom. Everything operates normally on November 11.
Can I bring Pepero to my American school or office?
Yes — that is rather the point. A box of Pepero with a “Happy Pepero Day (11/11)” note is a perfect low-pressure cultural share. Nut-free classrooms should stick to the original chocolate flavor and check ingredients.
When should I buy Pepero in Seattle?
Late October through November 10. Seasonal gift sets appear in Korean grocery stores in late October and sell through quickly; single boxes are usually available year-round.
Is November 11, 2026 really a Wednesday?
Yes. And in Korea that changes nothing — Pepero Day ignores weekdays entirely.
Can I order Pepero online in the U.S.?
Yes, through Korean online grocers and general marketplaces. Order by early November; prices run higher than in Korea, which is normal for imported snacks.
🔗 Related reads
Sources: Korea JoongAng Daily and KBS World (Pepero Day origin — Busan schoolgirls, 1994; Lotte branding manager Koo Ja-ryung); KBS World (Pepero launched 1983; Pepero Day marketing since 2000); beautipin (Lotte Wellfood 2026 seasonal lineup — Stray Kids edition, ~10 packages, announced mid-October 2026). Seattle store availability: Korean/Asian grocery snack aisles (H Mart, Uwajimaya) — flavors and gift sets vary by store; check ahead.
