Every autumn, when golden rice fields shimmer under the soft glow of the harvest moon, South Korea celebrates one of its most cherished holidays — Chuseok (추석), often called Korean Thanksgiving Day.
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| Happy Chuseok with KPOP Demon Hunters Characters (Jinu and Rumi in Hanbok Outfit) |
Chuseok is a time for family reunions, delicious food, and giving thanks for the year’s harvest. More than just a national holiday, it’s a heartfelt celebration of Korea’s deep-rooted traditions, ancestral respect, and the changing of the seasons. 🍂
🌾 What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, the day of the full harvest moon. Depending on the year, it usually falls in late September or early October, marking the height of autumn.
The holiday lasts three days, giving families enough time to travel to their hometowns. Across the country, highways and train stations fill with people returning home, as millions participate in what’s often called the world’s largest family migration.
At its heart, Chuseok is a harvest festival — a time to express gratitude for abundance and to honor one’s ancestors for their blessings.
🏡 Family Traditions and Ancestral Rites
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| Charye table for ancestral ritual |
One of the most meaningful aspects of Chuseok is Charye (차례), the ancestral memorial ritual. Families prepare a table filled with traditional dishes, fruits, and rice wine, carefully arranged in a specific order to honor their ancestors.
Before the feast begins, family members bow and offer thanks, asking for continued blessings and peace. Once the ritual ends, everyone gathers to share the food together — symbolizing unity between the past and present generations.
Another key tradition is Seongmyo (성묘), the practice of visiting and tidying ancestral graves. Families pull weeds, clean the area, and bow as a sign of respect. For many, it’s a reflective and emotional moment that connects them to their roots.
🍽️ Chuseok Foods: A Feast of Tradition
Chuseok wouldn’t be complete without its rich, symbolic dishes. Each food served during the holiday carries a story and meaning tied to Korea’s agricultural and family traditions.
🥮 Songpyeon (송편)
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| Songpyeon |
The signature food of Chuseok, songpyeon are half-moon-shaped rice cakes made with glutinous rice flour and filled with ingredients like sesame seeds, red beans, chestnuts, or honey. They’re steamed over layers of pine needles, giving them a light, woodsy aroma.
It’s said that making beautiful songpyeon brings good fortune — so families often gather to make them together, chatting and shaping the dough under the full moon. 🌕
🍖 Jeon (전)
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| Jeon cake |
These savory pancakes come in many varieties — from zucchini (hobak jeon) to fish (saengseon jeon) — lightly coated in flour and egg before being pan-fried. They’re a must-have on the Chuseok table and perfect for sharing.
🍜 Japchae (잡채)
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| Japchae |
A colorful noodle dish made from glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and beef. Japchae is both sweet and savory, and it’s a festive favorite at Korean celebrations.
🍶 Makgeolli (막걸리)
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| Makgeolli |
This milky, lightly sparkling rice wine pairs beautifully with traditional dishes. It’s enjoyed for its earthy flavor and symbolizes sharing the fruits of the harvest.
🚗 The Great Chuseok Migration
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| Massive Chuseok Migration |
Chuseok is also famous for its massive nationwide travel. As millions journey to reunite with family, roads are packed and train tickets sell out weeks in advance. Despite the traffic, there’s a sense of excitement in the air — the joy of coming home.
Gift-giving is another important custom. Popular Chuseok gifts include fruit baskets, premium beef sets, cooking oil, and health products — all symbols of care and appreciation.
🎭 Modern Celebrations and Cultural Festivities
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| Busan Drone Show - Special Chuseok Performance |
While many Koreans still follow traditional customs, modern Chuseok celebrations have evolved. Some families use the holiday to travel domestically or abroad, while cities host vibrant cultural events that blend old and new.
During Chuseok, visitors to Korea can experience folk performances, drone light shows, and traditional games such as ganggangsullae (강강술래) — a circle dance performed by women under the full moon, symbolizing harmony and fertility.
Cultural sites like palaces and museums often offer free admission and special programs, making it a wonderful time to explore Korea’s heritage.
🌝 A Time for Gratitude and Togetherness
At its core, Chuseok is about gratitude, connection, and balance — between people and nature, between the past and present. It’s a reminder to slow down, give thanks, and cherish the company of loved ones.
Even for those far from home, watching the full moon or sharing a meal with friends can bring the same spirit of Chuseok — a celebration of life’s blessings and the ties that bind us.
So this autumn, whether you’re in Korea or simply learning about its culture, take a moment to look up at the moon and whisper:
“더도 말고 덜도 말고 한가위 같아라” — “May every day be just like Chuseok, not more, not less.” 🌾✨
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| Chuseok Proverb |
🎉 Happy Chuseok! (즐거운 추석 되세요!)
May your days be filled with warmth, gratitude, and delicious food — wherever you are in the world.