Hangawi, (Korean Thanksgiving) A Widely Observed Holiday in Korea.

Hangawi, (Korean Thanksgiving) A Widely Observed Holiday in Korea.

 

If you are in Korea during this time of the year, 

you will notice many different gift sets in the department stores and marts. 

This is do the widely observed holiday, Hangawi or Chuseok.

Hangawi is also known Gabae and Jungchujeol. 

It is very similar to Thanksgiving.

 It is when Korean people celebrate and give thanks for another years harvest.

Like many other countries families gather to cook and eat traditional foods,

 play folk games, and just spend time together. 

During this period, many places are closed, and people leave 

the busy cities to go down to their home towns.

 

Chuseok Foods

Songpyeon(Rice cake) is made of glutinous rice.

 It is a type of tteok (rice cake) filled with honey or black beans.

 

Popular Folk Games

Ganggangsullae is a Korean dance. 

It was originally performed by women. 

They form a circle and sing songs at night without the use of any instruments.

 

Customs

During this period, it is one of the largest full moons of the year.

 It was part of tradition in old Korea to make a wish upon the moon.

 It is believed that your wish will come true.

 

What are your plans for Chuseok? 

Make sure to eat some of the traditional foods and play

 the traditional games with your Korean friends! 

Happy Chuseok!