Table of Contents
Considered one of the most important celebrations in the country, the Harvest Festival is a three-day holiday occurring around the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, during a full moon. This year, Chuseok falls on September 25, with the official break running from September 24 to 26. During this time, many Koreans traditionally return to their hometowns, reunite with their families, and celebrate the season of abundance but, most importantly, honor their ancestors.
Chuseok Traditions: Honoring Family and Ancestors
Source: Korea.net
Chuseok’s core traditions are based on the idea that ancestors are honored and remembered during this time. Hence why, on this yearly occasion, families set up a banquet with freshly harvested food, rice, and traditional alcohol as a sign of gratitude and respect for their ancestors. This memorial service is known as Charye (차례).
Another important tradition is visiting ancestral graves before and during the holiday to clear weeds (Beolcho (벌초)) and pay respects (Seongmyo (성묘)).
Wearing hanbok is also associated with Chuseok celebrations, particularly during ceremonies and cultural events, as a way of showing respect for Korean cultural heritage.
The Foods Behind Chuseok
Source: Visit Seoul
Since this holiday is all about traditions, there are also specific foods that are traditionally prepared and served during Chuseok. Songpyeon (송편) is probably the most iconic one. These crescent-shaped rice cakes are stuffed with sesame seeds, beans, or chestnuts and steamed over pine needles.
Also popular are savory dishes such as Jeon (전), the famous pan-fried Korean pancakes made with fish, meat, or vegetables, and Galbijjim (갈비찜), braised beef short ribs served as a celebratory main dish. These dishes can be accompanied by Korean liquors, while Sikhye (식혜), a sweet rice drink, is often enjoyed as a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
Traditional Games and Celebrations
Source: The World Korea
An important part of Chuseok is the practice of folk games and performances. One Chuseok-associated celebration is Ganggangsullae (강강술래), a circle dance in which women join hands under the bright harvest moon to sing and dance.
Ssireum (씨름) is another activity linked to Korean festivals. It is a form of Korean wrestling that showcases strength and athleticism.
How Chuseok Is Changing
Source: The Korea Herald
While in the past this holiday and its customs held a much more central role and brought Korean families together around the same table to spend time with relatives and honor their ancestors, nowadays we see a decrease in some of these practices.
Chuseok has evolved from a mandatory family-reunion and ancestral-rite holiday into a popular time for short international trips, digital greetings, and resting at home. We especially see an increase in Gen Z and millennials who prefer to step away from their daily routines and take a short trip abroad. The gift-giving experience has also shifted from physical gifts to online vouchers and money transfers.
Those who remain in Korea can also visit major cultural hubs like hanok villages or royal palaces and participate in events hosted by big cities like Seoul, where light shows, folk games, and arts events are held.
Keeping the Meaning of Chuseok Alive
Source: Kim’C Market
I personally think that, based on the conditions of modern life and the busy lifestyles of Koreans, a shift like this is totally normal and predictable. Because the younger and older generations lived through two completely different periods of Korea, they do not view Chuseok and harvest abundance with the same eyes and perspectives. So, it is understandable that the holiday has evolved to this extent and that it is now seen more as a relaxing time where people can pause their routines, go abroad, or visit their families rather than focusing entirely on its traditional meaning.
At the same time, I believe that Chuseok has such a special place in Korean heritage that its meaning should continue to be remembered and passed on to future generations. The way people celebrate may change with the times, but the history and cultural values behind the holiday can still remain meaningful. In this sense, adapting Chuseok to modern lifestyles does not necessarily mean leaving its traditions behind, but rather finding new ways to keep them alive and relevant.
Experience the Taste of Chuseok with Daebak
Chuseok is more than a holiday: it is a celebration of Korean history, family, food, and cultural heritage. While the way Koreans celebrate it continues to evolve, its connection to Korean culture remains strong.
At Daebak, we believe that experiencing Korea means discovering both the traditions that have shaped the country and the everyday culture that continues to evolve today. From Korean lifestyle products to authentic snacks and curated cultural experiences, Daebak brings a little piece of Korea directly to you.
Want to experience a taste of Korean culture from home? Explore SnackFever, Daebak’s curated Korean snack box filled with trending Korean snacks inspired by the convenience stores of Seoul. Or discover the Daebak Box, a seasonal collection of Korean lifestyle products, snacks, beauty, and more, curated straight from Korea.
