Surfing The Korean Wave/K-popping Under The Radar

In Korea, there are many special days celebrated, sometimes for no special reasons at all. And Pepero Day is the exact example of such celebration. But it’s kind of cute how they make 11.11 (11th day of November) special. So yes, Pepero Day is celebrated on 11.11 every year. And this year, it is even more special, with not four, but six “1″ < 11.11.11 >. The number “1″ represent the Pepero stick.

To those who are not familiar with Pepero, it’s a snack manufactured by Korea’s well known company Lotte Confectionery. It’s a kind of biscuit stick dipped in chocolate. Currently Lotte has come up with various types of flavors for their Peperos. Though I was only familiar with three, namely classic (plain chocolate), almond chocolate and nude (LOL! it’s actually white chocolate!).

So what do people do on Pepero Day? It’s actually akin to Valentine’s Day as couples (and also friends) exchange or give Pepero to their loved ones. Come to think of it, Lotte would make a fortune on this day. Haha. And as the Korean culture is spreading around the world, I’m sure nowadays, not only Korean people celebrate this “special” day, k-pop lovers would too. LOL

Well, if you Google “Pepero Day“, I’m sure you would find much better info and blog entries than what I’ve written here. As this year’s Pepero Day is extra special I decided to make a post on it, and at the same time to continue on my long overdue “50 things” posts. LOL

Here are some good reads on Pepero Day, to save your time from Googl-ing:-

• The Korea Blog
• EatYourKimchi

A little note on Pepero for Muslims planning to consume this snack. Back in 2010, when I was in Korea for the first time, I was so excited to see many Pepero in Nami so I bought a lot. When we went to ski resort, me and my friends, not knowing of the halal status of this snack, bought a few more boxes. So imagine how shocked we were when we went back to Seoul and met my sister and she told us that Pepero is not halal. The remaining boxes were put away on the spot.

The halal status of this snack is doubtful, if you ask me. But, if you think otherwise and you have proof to support your claim, please do so. It would be a big help to me and the readers.

Though I’m not celebrating it in any way,

HAPPY PEPERO DAY!!

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