What do we do on Chuseok?

The time has come again for Chuseok.

Chuseok is a Korean Thanksgiving Holiday which is celebrated 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. This year, Chuseok falls on September 24, 2018. The holidays will begin on September 23 and will end onSeptember 25. This holiday along with the Lunar New Year, is Korea's most celebrated holiday.

So what do we do on Chuseok?! Well, Chuseok, is a celebration of good harvest, so we celebrate with a feast! But before we get to the food, here are some traditions that are practiced during Chuseok. 

1. The Visiting of the Ancestral Graves 

On Chuseok, many people will visit ancestral graves. The entire family goes and many times Chuseok foods are taken to the graves and a memorial service is held. This is a long standing tradition and is a way of honoring ancestors.

 

2. Charye

In addition to visiting the graves, many people also have charye, which is an ancestral memorial rite practiced during these holidays. There is a table where harvested foods are offered to ancestors. From family to family, the charye table may differ a little, but the main foods that are put on the table are the same. For example, freshly harvested rice, fruits, and rice cakes are foods that you will see on a charye table. 

3. Chuseok Foods

There are many traditional foods enjoyed during these holidays! Most commonly, you will see Korean households making songpyeon. This is a rice cake stuffed with sesame seeds and sugar or mung bean paste. It is the shape of a half moon, and is presented in different colors. There is also hangwa. These are traditional Korean snacks. They are made with natural colors and beautifully shaped and decorated. Some other foods enjoyed during Chuseok are japchae, kalbi, and juns (Korean pancakes).

What are your plans for this Chuseok? We hope you are able to experience some of our traditions!