Origins and Significance: Chuseok has its roots in ancient Korean traditions and is similar to other harvest festivals around the world. The holiday celebrates the fall harvest and gives thanks for a bountiful year. It also honors Korean ancestors and celebrates family togetherness.
Traditional Activities:
- Chuseok Meal: Families gather to enjoy a special meal that often includes traditional dishes such as songpyeon (sweet rice cakes filled with sesame seeds or sweet red bean paste), bulgogi (marinated beef), and various types of kimchi.
- Charye: This is a ritual performed to honor ancestors. Families prepare a table with a variety of foods and make offerings to their ancestors to show respect and gratitude.
- Hanbok: Many people wear traditional Korean clothing called hanbok during Chuseok. These vibrant, colorful outfits are worn for celebrations and ceremonies.
- Dance and Games: One of the most popular traditional activities is the Ganggangsullae, a folk dance performed in a circle by women dressed in hanbok. There are also various traditional games like yutnori (a board game) that people play during the holiday.
Modern Observances: While traditional practices are still important, many Koreans also take the opportunity to travel, visit family, or relax during Chuseok. It’s a time for reconnecting with loved ones and reflecting on the year’s blessings.
Global Perspective: Chuseok is a vibrant and joyful time, reflecting the importance of family, tradition, and gratitude in Korean culture. It’s a wonderful example of how different cultures celebrate the changing seasons and the fruits of their labor.
If you are plan to visit while this period, it will be very less crowded and quiet, but many of restaurant may close for holiday break, if you have specific restaurant where you want to visit, make sure its open date. Also, it will be very difficult to travel city to city while this time, plan for second plan for travel.