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Celebrating Korean Farmers and Rice : Embracing Garaetteok Day Over Pepero Day on November 11
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Celebrating Korean Farmers and Rice
Embracing Garaetteok Day Over Pepero Day on November 11
November 11 is widely recognized in South Korea as Pepero Day, a day when people exchange thin, chocolate-covered cookie sticks known as Pepero to show affection to friends and loved ones.
However, a lesser-known but equally significant celebration on the same day is Garaetteok Day, created to honor Korea’s rice farmers and promote the consumption of locally-grown rice.
By focusing on this holiday, which aligns with "Farmers’ Day," Korea seeks to reconnect with its agricultural roots and shift attention towards supporting farmers and appreciating the value of Korean rice.
The Origins of Garaetteok Day and Farmers' Day
Garaetteok Day was established by the Korean government in 2006 to promote the tradition of eating garaetteok (cylindrical rice cakes) as an alternative to celebrating Pepero Day.
November 11 also marks Farmers' Day, a day originally designated in 1996 to honor the pride, resilience, and dignity of Korean farmers.
The date, chosen symbolically for the number "11" (resembling two sticks side-by-side), became associated with Pepero Day among young people, but it also provided an ideal opportunity to promote rice, a staple crop in Korea’s agricultural history.
The Tradition of Garaetteok
Garaetteok, made from steamed rice flour, holds a special place in Korean culinary culture.
This plain yet versatile rice cake is often enjoyed year-round and is used in various traditional dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cake stir-fry) and tteokguk (rice cake soup).
In promoting Garaetteok Day, Korea is also emphasizing the cultural importance of rice as a dietary staple and celebrating the hard work of rice farmers who ensure that this traditional food remains accessible.
Online Celebrations and Events
This year, the Rural Development Administration (RDA) announced a special online event called "This Year Too, Garaetteok on November 11."
Running until November 12, the campaign encourages Koreans to celebrate Garaetteok Day by posting photos of themselves eating or preparing rice cakes on social media.
Participants simply need to upload their photos, tag the event page, and leave a comment confirming their participation.
This social campaign aims to engage a wide audience, particularly young people, in an effort to deepen appreciation for Korean rice and expand awareness of traditional rice-based foods.
Forty participants will be selected to receive gifts, such as limited-edition “Siknyangyi” merchandise, along with Korean rice variety gift sets.
For more details, the National Institute of Crop Science and RDA’s social media platforms have been sharing information and updates.
By holding these online activities, the government hopes to foster a more profound appreciation for local rice and the dedication of Korean farmers.
The Appeal of New Garaetteok Varieties
With growing interest in Garaetteok Day, some local brands have introduced innovative rice cake products.
One such brand, Megojigo, has seen increasing popularity for its special Garaetteok products: "Brown Rice Garaetteok" and "Pine Nut Garaetteok."
The Brown Rice Garaetteok is crafted from locally-sourced brown rice, providing a nutty, earthy flavor that sets it apart from traditional white rice garaetteok.
Pine Nut Garaetteok, on the other hand, includes a filling made from pine nut paste, combining the chewy texture of rice cake with the delicate crunch of pine nuts—a fresh twist that appeals to modern consumers.
Such variations exemplify how traditional foods like garaetteok can be enjoyed in new and exciting ways.
These innovative products not only broaden the appeal of garaetteok to a younger audience but also support the farmers and rice producers behind these ingredients.
Shifting Toward Garaetteok Day Over Pepero Day
The push for Garaetteok Day reflects a broader movement to raise awareness about the importance of supporting local agriculture and consuming home-grown foods.
By encouraging people to celebrate with a traditional rice cake rather than an imported cookie, Korea is fostering pride in its agricultural products and reinforcing the value of rice as a cherished staple in Korean culture.
In addition, as consumer trends lean more towards health-conscious and locally-sourced foods, Garaetteok offers a natural, minimally processed alternative to sugary snacks.
The promotion of garaetteok, especially on a day when millions in Korea are already inclined to give and receive snacks, offers an excellent opportunity to reestablish traditional food habits and reconnect with Korea’s farming community.
A New November Tradition?
Though Pepero Day is still widely celebrated, an increasing number of Koreans are embracing Garaetteok Day as an alternative that aligns with a deeper cultural significance.
For families, individuals, and communities, celebrating Garaetteok Day is an opportunity to honor farmers, explore innovative rice-based snacks, and take pride in Korea’s agricultural heritage.
As more people discover the joys of rice cakes and the cultural values they represent, Garaetteok Day may become a beloved tradition that not only supports Korea’s rice farmers but also encourages healthier eating habits and a stronger appreciation for local agriculture.
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