With over a dozen flavors, everyone has their favorite Pepero. For almost thirty years, people all across Korea have been enjoying these sweet and crunchy snacks.

What Is Pepero?

Pepero is crunchy biscuit sticks usually dipped in flavored chocolate, sometimes topped with cookie crumbs, coconut, or even almonds. They were launched in 1983 by Lotte Confectionery, a subsidiary of the Lotte Conglomerate.

A Flavor for Everyone

Over the years, Lotte Confectionery has introduced many flavors and types of Pepero. Though some have stood the test of time, others come and go, and some only reappear during Pepero Day in Korea. Last week on a grocery trip, we took a quick snapshot of the Pepero offerings on the shelf.

From top to bottom, left to right: Original, Chocolate Covered Almond. Nude Cream Cheese, Nude Chocolate (chocolate on the inside instead of on the outside) Peanut and Pretzel, Skinny Cacao (thinner than the original), Choco Cookie, White Cookie, an… — From top to bottom, left to right: Original, Chocolate Covered Almond. Nude Cream Cheese, Nude Chocolate (chocolate on the inside instead of on the outside) Peanut and Pretzel, Skinny Cacao (thinner than the original), Choco Cookie, White Cookie, and Rich Chocolate.

Based on the photo, it’s easy to see which flavors are fan favorites. Pepero can range in price depending on the quantity and location of purchase. Single boxes of Pepero can range between 1,000 Korean won and 1,500 won, or about $0.90 to $1.30 USD. If sold in larger packs, they range between 3,000 to 5,000 won or about $2.50 to $4.50 USD.

11/11 Pepero Day

While the exact story on the origin of Pepero Day is unknown, the earliest version is often traced back to late 1980s Busan. The story says that every 11th of November, middle school girls would gift classmates Pepero while encouraging each other to become “tall and slender” like a Pepero stick. They would make a wish at the 11 second mark at 11:11 a.m. in hopes of obtaining this exact physique. Lotte Confectionery noticed a huge spike in sales in Busan around this time and looked into it. Discovering this new trend, their marketing department decided to promote this “holiday” to the rest of the peninsula, and thus Pepero Day was born.

During the holiday, Pepero tends to become a bit fancier, with many creating Pepero gift sets that often include flowers and even plush toys. Many even create gimmicky versions and intricate packaging that can increase the cost dramatically to upwards of 55,000 won or about $50 USD.

Nowadays, Pepero Day is celebrated by people of all ages; coworkers, classmates and even couples exchange a box or two each year.

Garaetteok Day: A Pepero Alternative

Some choose to celebrate 11/11 with garaetteok (가래떡) instead, since these long, tube-shaped rice cakes also resemble the Arabic numeral one. These rice cakes are often served to students for lunch as a way of getting everyone to participate in 11/11.

Make Your Own Pepero

If you really want to impress on Pepero Day, try your hand at some DIY Pepero. YouTuber SweetandTastyTV has a super simple tutorial that is easy to follow and is less than five minutes long! Take a look at her video below.

A Few Pepero Fun Facts

Pepero Day is the most profitable day for convenience stores out of the entire year.
30% of all Pepero sales happen the week leading up to Pepero Day.
As of 2014, if you were to lay down all of the Pepero ever purchased end to end it would circle the world 250 times! Just imagine how many times it would circle now in 2020.

(Source)

Next time you find yourself craving a sweet and crunchy snack, pick up a pack of Pepero and try them for yourself.

Pepero: A Snack For Everyone