Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of Korea’s biggest holidays. It’s a time when families come together to celebrate the autumn harvest and honor their ancestors.

The holiday usually lasts for three days and falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, which is why it always has a full moon. The full moon on Chuseok is significant because, in traditional Korean culture, it symbolizes abundance and fulfillment. Many people go outside at night to appreciate the bright, full moon, as it represents harmony and a successful harvest season.

Chuseok is a holiday to express gratitude for the year's harvest. It’s also a time to remember and honor ancestors through a special memorial service called “charye.” Families prepare traditional dishes and offer them as a way of showing respect and keeping family connections strong.

What Do Koreans Do on Chuseok?

During Chuseok, family members often travel to their hometowns to gather with relatives. Together, they prepare and enjoy traditional foods and participate in charye ceremonies. They also visit ancestral graves to clean the area and pay their respects.

Traditional Foods

Some of the main Chuseok foods are songpyeon (small rice cakes filled with sweet fillings and steamed with pine needles), jeon (savory pancakes with various fillings), and freshly harvested fruits. Songpyeon is especially popular because it’s believed that if you make beautiful songpyeon, you will have good luck.

Note: The photo above is one I took myself on Chuseok day.