November 11

Originally started by university students in the 1990s as a celebration of singlehood, Singles' Day has evolved into the world's largest 24-hour online shopping event. Major e-commerce platforms like Alibaba report record-breaking sales volumes each year, turning November 11 into a global retail phenomenon. Retailers across China and increasingly around the world offer deep discounts on electronics, fashion, and everyday goods. The event combines flash sales, live-streamed product demonstrations, and celebrity endorsements to create a shopping carnival atmosphere. Singles' Day showcases the power of digital marketing and consumer culture in China, reflecting broader trends in e-commerce and social media. It has also inspired similar shopping festivals in other countries and regions, highlighting its impact on global retail.

Pepero Day is celebrated every November 11 in South Korea, inspired by the shape of Pepero snacks that resemble the date 11/11. Participants gift boxes of Pepero sticks to friends, family, and romantic partners as a fun token of friendship and love. The day has become a significant marketing event for confectionery companies, with limited-edition flavors and special packaging. Schools and offices often organize Pepero exchanges, fostering a sense of community and playful competitiveness. Although its origins are commercial, Pepero Day has become ingrained in Korean popular culture and social traditions. The event reflects the interplay between consumer culture and social bonding in modern South Korea.