Chuseok
6 - October 8, Monday – Wednesday
Origins and Significance
Chuseok has its roots in ancient harvest festivals and is believed to have originated from Gabae, a weaving contest held during the Silla dynasty. Over time, it evolved into a broader celebration of gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The holiday reflects the deep respect Koreans have for their ancestors and the importance of family unity.
Traditional Customs
Several customs are observed during Chuseok, including:
- Charye (ancestral rites): Families perform memorial rituals at home to honor their ancestors, offering freshly harvested food and traditional dishes.
- Seongmyo (visiting ancestral graves): Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the area and pay their respects.
- Beolcho (weeding the graves): This involves removing weeds and tidying up the burial site as a sign of reverence.
Traditional Foods
Food plays a central role in Chuseok celebrations. One of the most iconic dishes is songpyeon, a half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts, and steamed over pine needles for fragrance. Other traditional foods include:
- Jeon: Korean-style pancakes made with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, or seafood.
- Galbijjim: Braised short ribs, often served during festive occasions.
- Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat.
Cultural Activities
Chuseok is also a time for enjoying traditional games and performances. Common activities include:
- Ssireum: Korean wrestling, where two opponents try to bring each other to the ground.
- Ganggangsullae: A traditional circle dance performed by women under the full moon.
- Folk games: Activities such as yutnori (a board game) and tuho (arrow-throwing) are enjoyed by families.
Modern Observance
In contemporary Korea, Chuseok remains a major holiday, with many people traveling to their hometowns to reunite with family. The holiday typically spans three days, allowing time for travel, rituals, and relaxation. While some traditional practices have evolved or diminished in urban settings, the spirit of gratitude and family togetherness continues to define the celebration.
Chuseok is not only a reflection of Korea’s agricultural heritage but also a vibrant expression of its cultural identity and familial values.
Chuseok in other years
- 2024 17 - September 19, Tuesday – Thursday
- 2026 25 - September 27, Friday – Sunday