Hi friend! Planning a trip to Korea? ✨
If you want a super fun window into our local culture, you have to know about our date-based holidays! Beyond big traditional holidays like Seollal and Chuseok, Korea is famous for these charming (and sometimes quirky) mini-holidays. They’re perfect for people-watching, snapping cute photos, and understanding Korea’s vibrant couple culture.
In this guide, I’ll share the secrets behind the biggest one—Pepero Day—and other cute ’14th-day’ holidays you might see. Let’s start with the most famous one!
1. November 11: Pepero Day (빼빼로데이)
If you’re in Korea on November 11 (11/11), you’ll see entire aisles stacked with long, thin, chocolate-coated biscuits called Pepero (pronounced ppe-ppe-ro) in every convenience store and supermarket.
What’s the Origin?
The date 11/11 looks like four “1”s—just like four Pepero sticks! A popular story traces the trend to 1990s middle-schoolers who exchanged Pepero, wishing their friends would become “tall and slim” like the snack.
How We Celebrate Today
Think of it as a light, friendly version of Valentine’s Day. We swap Pepero with friends, colleagues, family, and of course, significant others. Limited-edition flavors and huge, fancy gift sets sell out quickly in the first two weeks of November!
💡 Fun Alternative: The same date is also Korea’s “Farmers’ Day.” To honor local agriculture, some groups promote “Garaetteok Day”—giving long, cylindrical rice cakes (which also resemble a “1”) instead.
📍 Where to Feel the Pepero Day Vibes (My Top 5 Picks)
Here are my favorite spots to really feel the excitement of Pepero Day in Seoul!
1. Lotte World (Jamsil, Seoul)
- What to Expect: This is the classic couple destination. During Pepero Day, the whole park is buzzing with seasonal promos, special themed desserts, and cute photo spots everywhere. It’s pure magic!
- Location: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: It gets very busy, so I’d go on a weekday if you can. Check their app for the “Magic Pass” to skip some lines for the big rides.
2. Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong
- What to Expect: This is where young energy explodes! In Hongdae, you’ll find pop-up booths, street buskers singing romantic songs, and people selling handmade Pepero. Walk over to nearby Yeonnam-dong for aesthetic cafés offering special Pepero-inspired treats.
- Location: Near Hongik University Station (Subway Line 2)
- Traveler Tips: Hongdae is best after 6 PM for the street performances. Yeonnam-dong is lovely in the afternoon for a coffee break.
3. University Districts (e.g., Ewha, Sinchon)
- What to Expect: Peak 20-something energy! You’ll see students exchanging gifts between classes. Sometimes, student clubs host their own flash events or booths. It feels very local and genuine.
- Location: Ewha Womans University Station or Sinchon Station (Subway Line 2)
- Traveler Tips: This is a great area to see the trend in action and do some affordable shopping at the Ewha shopping street.
4. Café Streets (Ikseon-dong & Seongsu-dong)
- What to Expect: If you’re looking for something more “Instagrammable,” this is it. Ikseon-dong (with its traditional hanok houses) and Seongsu-dong (with its industrial-chic vibe) will have cafés dropping 11/11-only desserts.
- Location: Ikseon-dong (Jongno 3-ga Station), Seongsu-dong (Seongsu Station)
- Traveler Tips: These places are popular, so they might have a waiting list. Go early or be prepared to browse the cute shops nearby while you wait.
5. Any Convenience Store (Nationwide!)
- What to Expect: Honestly? The easiest way to join the fun! From November 1–11, stores like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven become Pepero showcases with 2+1 bundle deals and unique collaborations.
- Location: Literally everywhere!
- Traveler Tips: Shop 1-2 days before the 11th to get the best selection. The limited-edition ones (like the huge box) sell out on the day of!
2. Korea’s “14th-Day” Mini Holidays (A Quick Guide)
Korean couples love to celebrate—not just yearly anniversaries, but also their 100th, 200th, and 300th day together!
On top of that, we have a playful series of monthly “14th-day” mini-holidays. These aren’t official public holidays (so no one gets the day off, sadly!), but you’ll notice themed marketing and cute date ideas.
Here are a few of the famous ones:
| Date | Holiday | Who/Why | Traveler’s Tip |
| Apr 14 | Black Day | Singles (who didn’t get gifts on Val/White Day) gather to eat jajangmyeon (black-bean noodles). | Try a local Chinese-Korean spot! Some run “Black Day” promos. |
| May 14 | Rose Day | Couples exchange roses in the beautiful spring bloom. | Visit a flower market or a riverside park (like the Han River) to see couples. |
| Jun 14 | Kiss Day | A day for couples to celebrate romance with a kiss. | You’ll see lip-care products and date-spot marketing everywhere. |
| Jul 14 | Silver Day | Couples exchange silver accessories, often as their first “couple rings.” | Browse the jewelry streets in Myeongdong or Hongdae! |
🚖 Getting Home After a Sweet Day Out?
After a long, fun day of exploring Hongdae or cafe-hopping in Seongsu, the last thing you want to worry about is getting back to your hotel, especially late at night. Trying to explain your address to a taxi driver who doesn’t speak English can be stressful, right? I’ve been there!
That’s why for my friends visiting Korea, I highly recommend using K.RIDE! 💖
It’s the official taxi-hailing app from Kakao Mobility (Korea’s No.1 mobility platform) made specifically for international travelers like you.
Here’s why it’s my top pick:
- ✅ Multi-language app support: The app works smoothly in English, Japanese and Chinese (Simplified/Traditional). No more guessing buttons!
- ✅ Foreign card-friendly: This is the best part! You can register your everyday credit card from back home (like Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and pay right in the app. No need to worry about having Korean cash or a local card.
- ✅ Automatic destination translation: When you set your destination in the app (in English!), it’s automatically translated and shown to the driver in Korean on their navigation system. No talking needed!
- ✅ Fair pricing: K.RIDE uses the standard taxi meter, so you never have to worry about “foreigner” pricing or haggling. It’s safe, fair, and transparent.
It just makes getting around so much easier.
Experience Korea Beyond Just Sightseeing
I really hope this guide helps you enjoy these uniquely Korean holidays! 🇰🇷
Korea’s date-based holidays, like Pepero Day, are more than just cute traditions; they’re a glimpse into how Koreans celebrate connection.
Whether you’re sharing a box of Pepero with a new friend, exploring a festive café, or just enjoying the happy buzz in the streets, you’ll feel the warmth that defines our culture.
This 11/11, don’t just watch—join in! And with K.RIDE, getting back to your hotel is the easiest part of your adventure.
Thanks for reading!
— Your K-Friend at K.RIDE✨
See you on the road!
Explore Korea Like a Local 
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