If you want to learn more about Korean culture, join us in exploring the origins, meanings, customs, and traditional activities and dishes of Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving.
1. An Overview of Chuseok – Korean Thanksgiving
Origins of Chuseok
The origins of Chuseok
Chuseok, also known as Hangawi, 중추절 (Jungchujol) – Mid-Autumn Festival, and Gabae – Gabae Day, has uncertain origins, but according to Korean legends, it dates back to the time of Gabae during the reign of King Yuri of Silla (57 BC to 935 AD).
Legend has it that Silla’s third ruler, King Yuri, held a weaving contest for the ladies of the capital. The contest lasted from the 16th of the seventh lunar month to the 14th of the eighth, and the winner, determined by who wove the most, received a sumptuous feast as a reward.
Over the years, this legend has inspired many to participate in the contest, and the festive atmosphere has transformed Chuseok into a significant holiday for Koreans.
Timing of Chuseok
Chuseok takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month
Chuseok occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, just like in other Asian countries. The name “Chuseok” reflects this, as it is also called “Hangawi,” with “gawi” meaning “the eighth month.”
As one of South Korea’s most important holidays, Chuseok is a three-day celebration (from the 14th to the 16th of the eighth lunar month), allowing people to return to their hometowns and reunite with their families after a long period of hard work.
2. The Significance of Chuseok for Koreans
The significance of Chuseok for Koreans
A Korean proverb says, “Farmers in May, fairies in August,” implying that after the busy and challenging farming season in May, August is a time for rest and relaxation, a feeling of leisure akin to that of fairies.
Beyond rest, August is also when Koreans prepare a feast to give thanks to their ancestors for a bountiful harvest and pray for another fruitful year. It is a time for families to come together and enjoy delicious food, strengthening their bonds through conversation and shared meals.
The significance of Chuseok
3. Chuseok Customs
Chuseok customs
Similar to other major holidays like Lunar New Year, Chuseok has its own unique customs and traditions:
Beolcho – Weeding and Seongmyo – Grave Visiting
Beolcho and Seongmyo customs
To honor their ancestors and show filial piety, Koreans perform the rituals of Beolcho and Seongmyo during Chuseok. These rituals are similar to the grave-visiting customs during the Lunar New Year in Vietnam.
Families clean the areas around their ancestors’ graves and offer a feast of fruits, grains, and products from the previous harvest as a token of gratitude.
Charye
Charye ritual
The Charye ritual is performed early on the first day of Chuseok. Family members gather to hold a ceremony in the main room of the house, where the ancestral tablets are kept, with Mebap (rice made from newly harvested rice) as the main dish for the offering.
After the ancestral ceremony, the family enjoys the feast together, which includes Mebap and various side dishes served in small plates called banchan.
Greetings and Gift-Giving
Greetings and gift-giving during Chuseok
As with other important holidays, Chuseok is a time for exchanging special gifts and well-wishes, such as blessings for good health and smooth sailing in one’s endeavors.
4. Chuseok Festivities
Chuseok festivities
As a major holiday, Chuseok is filled with traditional activities and games, including:
Ganggangsullae Dance
Ganggangsullae dance
This artistic performance is passed down from the women of Seonam Haean and is a highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Ganggangsullae dance is performed by women dressed in traditional hanbok, holding hands in a circle, singing and dancing under the enchanting moonlight of the full moon.
The dance also celebrates the beauty of women in their prime, harmonizing with the beauty of nature.
Juldarigi – Tug-of-War
Wrestling showcases the strength of young men
Wrestling is a featured activity during Chuseok, showcasing the physical strength of young men.
The competition is held in a single-elimination format, and the ultimate winner, known as jangsa, receives valuable prizes from the villagers, such as fabric, rice, or even a calf.
5. Traditional Chuseok Dishes
Songpyeon
Songpyeon – traditional Korean rice cakes
Songpyeon is a traditional rice cake commonly enjoyed during Chuseok in Korea. It is a stuffed rice cake with fillings such as sesame seeds, black beans, cinnamon, pine nuts, chestnuts, and honey, wrapped in a soft and chewy dough.
Songpyeon is steamed on pine needles, imparting a unique fragrance to the cakes, which symbolize a bright future and success for family members.
Hangwa
Hangwa has high nutritional value
Hangwa is made from rice flour, honey, fruits, and roots, carefully arranged to create a visually appealing treat. It is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a popular choice for major holidays in Korea.
Jeon – Korean Pancakes
Jeon – Korean pancakes are popular during Chuseok
Jeon, or Korean pancakes, are simple yet beloved dishes during major holidays in Korea. Made with wheat flour and various ingredients to suit different tastes, these pancakes are fried to a golden crisp, making them a traditional favorite.
Japchae – Stir-fried Glass Noodles
Japchae – familiar glass noodles
Japchae, a dish of stir-fried glass noodles, is a familiar sight during Chuseok and other special occasions. To prepare japchae, simply cut various vegetables and meats into small pieces and stir-fry them with the noodles.
Bulgogi – Grilled Beef
Bulgogi – Grilled beef
Grilled beef is an excellent choice for a family feast during Chuseok. Marinated beef or pork slices are grilled to perfection and served with vegetables, kimchi, or white rice, creating a mouthwatering spread.
Pork Bone Soup
Pork bone soup is mild and healthy
Pork bone soup, simmered with beef or pork brisket, is a delicious yet healthy dish, making it a must-have for Chuseok celebrations.
Pears
Pears are commonly found in Korean feast
