Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): History, Traditions, and Foods Explained

Chuseok (추석), often called Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in South Korea. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, it usually falls in September or early October. Similar to Thanksgiving in the West, Chuseok is a time for family reunions, ancestral rituals, sharing food, and expressing gratitude for the harvest.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, traditions, cultural practices, food, and modern-day significance of Chuseok, giving you an in-depth understanding of why it holds such a special place in Korean society.

Historical Background of Chuseok

The roots of Chuseok date back to ancient agricultural festivals. Traditionally, it was a celebration of the autumn harvest, where families gave thanks to their ancestors for providing a plentiful yield.

• Origin Theories: Some historians trace Chuseok back to Gabae, a weaving contest during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC–935 AD). After 30 days of weaving, teams competed, and the losing side had to treat the winners to a feast. Over time, this evolved into a festival of abundance and gratitude.

• Cultural Significance: Unlike other festivals that focus only on the living, Chuseok emphasizes the bond between the past and present, reflecting the Confucian belief in filial piety and ancestral respect.

Family and Ancestral Traditions

Chuseok is deeply family-centered. Millions of Koreans travel back to their hometowns during this period, creating one of the biggest annual migrations in the country.

1. Charye (차례) – Ancestral Rites

• Families set up a ritual table filled with seasonal foods, rice wine, fruits, and the symbolic songpyeon (rice cakes). The ceremony honors ancestors, thanking them for blessings and ensuring harmony within the family.

2. Seongmyo (성묘) – Visiting Ancestors’ Graves

• Family members visit gravesites, clean them, and make offerings. This practice is known as beolcho (removing weeds and tidying up), showing respect for ancestors and reinforcing family ties.

Traditional Foods of Chuseok

Food is at the heart of Chuseok, symbolizing both abundance and gratitude.

• Songpyeon (송편): Half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with ingredients like sesame seeds, chestnut, red bean, or honey. They are steamed over pine needles, giving them a unique aroma. Making songpyeon together is a cherished family activity.

• Jeon (전): Korean-style pancakes made from vegetables, meat, or seafood, lightly battered and fried.

• Galbi (갈비): Grilled marinated beef short ribs, often prepared for family feasts.

• Fresh Harvest Fruits: Apples, pears, persimmons, and jujubes are offered as part of ancestral rituals.

Food during Chuseok is not just about taste—it carries symbolic meaning of prosperity, fertility, and family unity.

Games, Dance, and Cultural Activities

Chuseok is not only about food and rituals—it’s also a time for joy, play, and community spirit.

• Ssireum (씨름): Traditional Korean wrestling, where two players try to topple each other using strength and technique.

• Ganggangsullae (강강술래): A centuries-old circle dance performed by women under the full moon. Dancers hold hands, sing folk songs, and create symbolic formations, such as turtles and snakes, wishing for fertility and good harvests.

• Folk Games: Archery, tug-of-war, and other village games strengthen community bonds.

Modern-Day Chuseok

Today, Chuseok retains its cultural roots but has also adapted to modern lifestyles.

• Mass Travel: Highways, trains, and airports become packed as people travel across the country to reunite with family.

• Gift-Giving: It’s common to exchange gifts such as fruit baskets, premium meat sets, health products, and traditional alcohol. Recently, practical gifts like cooking oil or even cash have become popular.

• Urban Celebrations: For those unable to travel, cities host Chuseok cultural festivals, featuring traditional music, dance, and food fairs.

In recent years, Chuseok has also become a global celebration, with Korean communities worldwide honoring their heritage and sharing traditions with others.

The Deeper Meaning of Chuseok

At its heart, Chuseok is about more than food and rituals—it is a reminder of the importance of family, gratitude, and cultural continuity.

• It honors ancestors while strengthening family bonds.

• It celebrates the cycles of nature and human reliance on the harvest.

• It highlights the beauty of tradition meeting modernity, where ancient customs still hold relevance in a rapidly changing world.

Key Facts About Chuseok (Quick Guide)

• Holiday Period: 3 days (day before, day of, and after Chuseok)

• When It’s Celebrated: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (September–October)

• Main Ritual: Charye (ancestral rites)

• Signature Food: Songpyeon rice cakes

• Cultural Highlights: Ssireum wrestling, Ganggangsullae dance, ancestral worship

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Chuseok in Korea?

• Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is a major harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It’s a time for family reunions, ancestral rituals, traditional food, and cultural festivities.

Q: Why is Chuseok important?

• Chuseok is important because it represents gratitude for the harvest and respect for ancestors. It strengthens family bonds and connects modern Koreans to their cultural roots.

Q: What food is eaten during Chuseok?

• The most iconic food is Songpyeon, half-moon-shaped rice cakes. Families also enjoy Jeon (pancakes), Galbi (marinated ribs), fresh fruits, and other seasonal dishes.

Q: How long does Chuseok last?

• Chuseok is typically celebrated over three days—the day before, the main day, and the day after—to allow time for family gatherings and travel.

Q: What are the traditional activities of Chuseok?

• Popular activities include Charye (ancestral rites), Seongmyo (grave visits), Ssireum wrestling, Ganggangsullae moon dance, and enjoying folk games.

Q: Is Chuseok similar to Thanksgiving?

• Yes, Chuseok is often compared to Thanksgiving in the U.S. Both are harvest festivals centered on gratitude, family gatherings, and feasting. However, Chuseok places stronger emphasis on ancestral worship.

Chuseok is not just a holiday—it’s a profound cultural celebration that bridges past and present, ancestors and descendants, and tradition and modernity. Whether through the aroma of freshly steamed songpyeon, the warmth of family gatherings, or the joy of traditional games, Chuseok continues to be a timeless reminder of gratitude and belonging in Korean life.

As Korea shares its culture with the world, Chuseok has become a festival that teaches us all the universal values of family, thankfulness, and unity.

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