Blog

Chuseok, often called the Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. Celebrated during the autumn harvest season, it is a time when families gather to honor their ancestors, share traditional foods, and reconnect with loved ones. Even in modern times, many Korean families still observe customs that have been passed down for generations. These traditions reflect respect for family heritage and appreciation for the year’s harvest. From ancestral ceremonies to folk games and special meals, Chuseok remains deeply rooted in Korean culture. Here are ten Chuseok traditions that families still proudly practice today.

1. Performing Charye Ancestral Rituals

One of the most meaningful Chuseok traditions is Charye, a ceremonial ritual performed to honor ancestors. Families prepare a table filled with traditional foods such as rice, fruits, fish, and rice wine arranged in a specific order. The ceremony takes place on the morning of Chuseok day, where family members bow respectfully to show gratitude to their ancestors. This ritual reflects the Confucian value of filial piety that remains important in Korean culture. Even younger generations participate by helping prepare the food or learning the proper bowing etiquette. Through Charye, families remember their roots while maintaining a strong connection to past generations.

2. Visiting Ancestral Graves

Another important Chuseok custom is visiting family graves, a tradition known as Seongmyo. Families travel to ancestral burial sites to pay their respects, clean the area, and offer prayers. This act symbolizes gratitude and remembrance for previous generations. Many families also perform Beolcho, which involves trimming grass and maintaining the gravesite. Although travel during Chuseok can be busy, families still prioritize this meaningful practice. It serves as a moment for reflection and appreciation for the family lineage. For younger members of the family, visiting ancestral graves also becomes an opportunity to learn about their heritage and family history.

3. Making and Eating Songpyeon

Songpyeon is the iconic rice cake associated with Chuseok. These small half-moon-shaped rice cakes are made from rice flour dough and filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, red beans, chestnuts, or sweetened beans. Families traditionally gather together to make songpyeon the night before Chuseok. The rice cakes are steamed over pine needles, which gives them a unique aroma and flavor. According to tradition, those who shape beautiful songpyeon will have a bright future or meet a good spouse. Making songpyeon together strengthens family bonds and allows older generations to teach traditional cooking techniques to younger family members.

4. Preparing a Traditional Chuseok Feast

Food plays a central role during Chuseok celebrations. Families prepare a large meal that includes seasonal harvest foods and traditional Korean dishes. Common dishes include japchae, bulgogi, jeon pancakes, rice, fresh fruits, and soups. Each dish often represents gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season. Preparing the feast can take many hours, and family members often divide the work to make the process smoother. Despite the effort involved, sharing the meal together is one of the most enjoyable parts of Chuseok. The feast becomes a time for conversation, laughter, and strengthening family relationships.

5. Wearing Traditional Hanbok

Some families celebrate Chuseok by wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing known for its elegant design and vibrant colors. While not everyone wears hanbok today, it remains popular among families who want to honor tradition or take family photos. Children especially enjoy wearing hanbok because it makes the holiday feel festive and special. Many families also visit cultural sites or take part in traditional games while dressed in hanbok. Wearing traditional clothing during Chuseok connects modern celebrations with Korea’s historical heritage and reminds people of the beauty of Korean cultural identity.

6. Playing Traditional Folk Games

Traditional games are another fun part of Chuseok celebrations. Popular folk games include yutnori, a board game played with wooden sticks, as well as activities like tug of war, ssireum wrestling, and spinning tops. These games were historically played after the harvest season when communities gathered to celebrate. Today, families often play them together at home or during cultural events and festivals. These activities encourage friendly competition and laughter among relatives of all ages. Playing traditional games also helps preserve cultural heritage by introducing younger generations to classic Korean forms of entertainment.

7. Giving Chuseok Gifts

Gift giving has become a modern Chuseok tradition that complements older customs. People exchange practical or meaningful gifts to show appreciation to relatives, colleagues, and friends. Popular Chuseok gift sets include premium fruits, Korean beef, health supplements, cooking oils, and traditional sweets. Many companies also provide Chuseok gift packages to employees or business partners. While this practice has grown in recent decades, the core idea remains consistent with the spirit of the holiday. Giving gifts during Chuseok expresses gratitude, strengthens relationships, and reflects the generosity associated with the harvest season.

8. Enjoying Ganggangsullae Circle Dance

Ganggangsullae is a traditional Korean circle dance that has been performed for centuries, especially during harvest festivals like Chuseok. Historically, groups of women dressed in hanbok would hold hands and dance under the full moon while singing traditional songs. The dance symbolizes unity, prosperity, and celebration. While it is less common in everyday family gatherings today, it is still performed during cultural festivals and community celebrations. Watching or participating in ganggangsullae helps keep this UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition alive while reminding people of Korea’s rich folk heritage.

9. Watching the Full Harvest Moon

The Chuseok holiday is closely tied to the full harvest moon, which appears brightest during this time of year. Many families take a moment to admire the moon at night and reflect on the meaning of the holiday. In Korean folklore, the full moon symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and hope for the future. Some people make wishes while looking at the moon, believing it will bring good fortune. This quiet tradition allows families to pause after a busy day of ceremonies and meals. Watching the moon together creates a peaceful and memorable moment during the holiday.

10. Traveling to Hometowns

One of the most recognizable aspects of Chuseok is the massive nationwide travel movement. Millions of people return to their hometowns to spend the holiday with parents and relatives. Highways, trains, and buses become extremely crowded as families make their annual journey. Despite the travel challenges, many people see this trip as essential to the holiday spirit. Visiting hometowns allows families to reconnect, share meals, and participate in traditional rituals together. For many Koreans, Chuseok would not feel complete without returning home and spending time with loved ones.

Conclusion

Chuseok traditions continue to play an important role in Korean family life. Even as society modernizes, many families still take time to honor their ancestors, prepare traditional foods, and gather with relatives. These customs help preserve cultural identity while strengthening family bonds across generations. Whether it is making songpyeon, performing ancestral rites, or simply sharing a meal together, each tradition reflects gratitude for both family and harvest. For visitors and locals alike, Chuseok offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s deep respect for heritage, community, and the values that continue to shape Korean culture today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chuseok in Korea?

Chuseok is one of Korea’s biggest holidays, similar to Thanksgiving. It celebrates the autumn harvest and honors ancestors. Families gather to perform traditional rituals, eat special foods, and spend time together. The holiday usually lasts three days and is based on the lunar calendar.

When is Chuseok celebrated?

Chuseok is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. The exact date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday usually falls sometime between September and early October, and it lasts for three days, including travel and family gathering days.

What foods are eaten during Chuseok?

Popular Chuseok foods include songpyeon rice cakes, japchae noodles, bulgogi beef, jeon savory pancakes, seasonal fruits, and rice wine. These dishes often appear both during ancestral ceremonies and family meals. Many of the ingredients reflect the harvest season and symbolize gratitude and abundance.

Why do Koreans perform ancestral rites on Chuseok?

Ancestral rites, known as Charye, show respect and gratitude to previous generations. Families prepare ceremonial foods and bow to honor their ancestors. This tradition reflects Confucian values that emphasize filial piety, family continuity, and remembering the contributions of those who came before.

What is songpyeon?

Songpyeon is a traditional half-moon-shaped rice cake made during Chuseok. It is filled with sweet ingredients such as sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts. The rice cakes are steamed over pine needles, which gives them a distinct fragrance and flavor.

Do people travel during Chuseok?

Yes, millions of Koreans travel to their hometowns during Chuseok. It is one of the largest annual travel periods in the country. Families return home to celebrate together, perform ancestral rituals, and share traditional meals with relatives they may not see often.

Do people still wear hanbok on Chuseok?

Some families still wear hanbok, especially children or those attending cultural events. While everyday celebrations may involve modern clothing, hanbok is still worn for photos, ceremonies, and special gatherings. It adds a traditional atmosphere to the holiday.

What traditional games are played during Chuseok?

Popular traditional games include yutnori, a board game played with wooden sticks, and ssireum, Korean wrestling. Families may also enjoy tug of war, spinning tops, and other folk games. These activities create a festive environment and connect people with Korean cultural heritage.

What gifts are common for Chuseok?

Common Chuseok gifts include fruit boxes, Korean beef sets, health supplements, traditional sweets, and cooking oils. These gift sets are often exchanged between family members, friends, and business partners as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation.

Why is the full moon important during Chuseok?

The full moon during Chuseok symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Many people take time to admire the bright harvest moon at night and make wishes for the future. It represents hope, gratitude for the harvest, and the completion of the seasonal farming cycle.