Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veteran's/Pepero/Lantern Festival Day

Today is Veteran's Day in the US, when we take a particular opportunity to express our gratitude to those who have defended America in uniform.

It is Pepero Day in Korea, when we buy Pepero sticks (aka Pocky) for those we love. This holiday was invented by Lotte, makers of Pepero, to move product. The date 11/11 was chosen since it resembles the sticks.

It is also the day before Korea's nationwide college entrance exam. Literaryhero describes he situation perfectly in his post for today.

The mid-autumn lantern festival kicks off tonight at the Cheonggyecheon, the man made stream that traverses central Seoul. According to the Korea Sparkling page:
The festival invites people from all over the world to come to Seoul and light a lantern, a symbol of 'hope and friendship'. Main events will include an opening ceremony, star studded concert and the daily lantern lighting ceremonies.

Let the festivities begin!

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