Chuseok

Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in South Korea. Its origins date back to the ancient agrarian society, where it was celebrated as a harvest festival (Hangawi) on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month under the full moon. The holiday is deeply rooted in Confucian and ancestral worship traditions, with historical records from the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) mentioning similar celebrations as early as the 6th century. Over centuries, Chuseok evolved to include rituals honoring deceased ancestors (charye) and expressing gratitude for the year's harvest. In modern Korea, it serves as a time for family reunions, paying respects to elders, and enjoying traditional foods. The date varies annually on the Gregorian calendar; in 2026, Chuseok falls on September 24 (with the three-day holiday period from September 23 to 25), reflecting the continued lunar calendar alignment.

Chuseok traditions center around family gatherings and ancestral rites. On the morning of Chuseok, families perform charye, a memorial service where newly harvested rice, fruits, and specially prepared foods are offered on a carefully arranged table (jesa table) to honor ancestors. This is followed by seongmyo, visiting ancestral graves to perform cleanup (beolcho) and offer food and drink. A key traditional food is songpyeon, half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts, steamed on a layer of pine needles for fragrance. Other festive dishes include japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), galbi-jjim (braised short ribs), and various namul (seasoned vegetables). During the holiday, people also play folk games such as ganggangsullae (a circle dance under the full moon) and ssireum (Korean wrestling). The standard greeting is 'Chuseok Jal Bonaeseyo' (즐거운 추석 보내세요), meaning 'Have a joyful Chuseok.' In 2026, the festivities will be accompanied by travel congestion as millions journey to their hometowns, making it a vibrant yet solemn celebration of family, heritage, and gratitude.