Chuseok (추석): Korea’s Autumn Thanksgiving
Chuseok (추석), often referred to as “Korean Thanksgiving,” is one of the most important and cherished traditional holidays in South Korea. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month — typically in September or early October — it’s a time for honoring ancestors, sharing food, and gathering with family.
🌕 Origins and Meaning
The word “Chuseok” literally means "Autumn Eve." The holiday dates back over 2,000 years to the Silla dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). One theory suggests that Chuseok began as a weaving competition called Gabae (가배), where women competed in weaving, and the losing team would treat the winning team to a feast. Over time, it evolved into a harvest festival to thank ancestors for a bountiful year.
🏠 How Koreans Celebrate
- ✅ Charye (차례): A ritual ceremony held in the morning to honor family ancestors with food offerings like rice, fruits, fish, and soup.
- ✅ Seongmyo (성묘): Visiting ancestral graves to tidy up the site and offer respect.
- ✅ Feasting Together: Families gather for meals that include traditional dishes such as songpyeon (송편), a half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts.
- ✅ Folk Games: Activities like ganggangsullae (강강술래), a traditional circle dance performed under the full moon, and ssireum (씨름), Korean wrestling.
🍽️ What is Songpyeon? (송편)
Songpyeon (송편) is perhaps the most iconic Chuseok food. These colorful rice cakes are steamed over pine needles, giving them a unique scent. It is said that if a young woman makes beautifully shaped songpyeon, she will have a beautiful child in the future!
📅 When Is Chuseok?
Chuseok follows the lunar calendar. Here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Chuseok Date | Holiday Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 6 | October 5–7 |
| 2026 | September 25 | September 24–26 |
🎉 Fun and Surprising Facts
- 🔹 During Chuseok, millions of Koreans travel across the country to their hometowns — leading to the busiest traffic of the year.
- 🔹 Chuseok gifts often include Spam, fruit boxes, or even health supplements.
- 🔹 In North Korea, the celebration of Chuseok is much more subdued and not a public holiday.
🌍 Modern Changes
As family structures evolve, many modern Koreans now choose to travel abroad or rest at home during Chuseok. Yet the spirit of gratitude and togetherness remains at the heart of the holiday.
💭 Final Thoughts
Whether you are living in Korea or just learning about its culture, Chuseok is a beautiful reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the changing of seasons. If you ever get the chance, celebrating Chuseok in Korea is an unforgettable experience!
Have you ever tried 송편 or joined a 강강술래 dance under the full moon?