Why do Koreans celebrate Chuseok
Written by: Alena
Have a good Chuseok!
Chuseok (추석) is considered one of Korea’s well-known traditional holidays, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar.
Filled with traditional foods, customs, and cultural activities, this holiday highlights both gratitude and togetherness in Korean culture.
“Often called Korea’s autumn harvest festival, it is a special time for families to come together, express gratitude for the year’s harvest, and honor their ancestors through charye (차례), traditional ancestral rites,” according to the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.
The celebration spans three days—the day before, the day of, and the day after Chuseok. This year, the dates that Chuseok is celebrated are from September 24 to 26. Koreans usually travel back to their hometowns the day before the holiday to be with their family members during the full harvest moon.
The roots of Chuseok come from ancient Buddhist mythology that tells of a celestial rabbit. The holiday celebrates themes of fertility, longevity, and a bountiful harvest, as mentioned in an article by BestofKorea. The name, which translates to “Autumn Eve,” reflects its deep seasonal meaning.
Why does Chuseok matter?
Chuseok matters because Korean families want to celebrate and express gratitude to their ancestors for the fruitful harvest. Traditionally, it is also a holiday where many of the customs from the old days are still observed.
For example, ancestral worship is common in Chuseok. During the morning of the day of Chuseok, charye (차례) is when family members gather in their homes to honor their ancestors with memorial services. Newly harvested rice, songpyeon rice cakes, and alcohol are the representative foods for this service.
Another example is beolcho (벌초), where Koreans normally visit ancestral graves and pull out the weeds that have grown since their last visit. It is viewed as a family obligation and a sign of devotion, typically occurring just before the Chuseok holiday.
Gift-giving is an essential part of Chuseok. Koreans typically give fruit baskets and rice cakes as well as premium goods like cooking oils, health supplements, and meat sets.
What do Koreans eat on Chuseok?
Songpyeon (송편) is a traditional half-moon rice cakes that Korean families prepare the evening before Chuseok. There is a popular belief that those who excel in making well-shaped songpyeon will be blessed with beautiful children or experience a prosperous marriage.
Galbijjim (갈비찜) is a sweet and savory dish braised beef made with short ribs and mixed with vegetables. It is usually served during family gatherings or outside the holidays.
Japchae (잡채) is a stir-fried noodle dish that is also prepared and eaten during Chuseok. Jeon (전) are traditional Korean pancakes commonly found at dinner tables when it’s Chuseok.
Some traditional games and dances during Chuseok
A time for families and neighbors to come together, Koreans often enjoy traditional games and dances during Chuseok.
Ganggangsullae (강강술래) is when people gather under the full moon and join hands to sing and dance in a circle, hoping for a fruitful harvest and peace in the community.
Other Korean traditions include ssireum (씨름), a Korean wrestling sport that combines technique and strength.
Conclusion
Reconnecting with family, gratitude, and Korea’s cultural traditions are the central themes of Chuseok. By honoring ancestors, sharing festive foods, and enjoying traditional games and dances, it becomes a holiday filled with connection and joy.
Chuseok serves as a meaningful reminder to value family, give thanks, and embrace Korean culture wherever you are in the world.
