Chuseok (추석), also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of Korea’s most important holidays. Families come together to honor their ancestors, share a big meal, and give thanks for a good harvest. While many people know the basics, there are many fascinating traditions and stories behind Chuseok that are not as widely known. Let’s explore 10 interesting facts about Chuseok that you might not have heard before.
1. Chuseok Is One of Korea’s Top Three Holidays
Chuseok is one of the three biggest holidays in Korea, alongside Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Dano (a spring festival). These holidays are linked to the seasons and farming cycles, showing how important agriculture is to Korean culture. While Seollal celebrates the new year, and Dano focuses on health and farming, Chuseok is all about the autumn harvest and giving thanks for it.
2. Chuseok Started with Shamanistic Traditions
Long before Chuseok became a family holiday, it had roots in shamanism, an ancient religion that connected people to the spirits and the natural world. The holiday was originally called Hangawi (한가위), which means “the great middle of autumn.” People performed rituals to thank the moon and the spirits for a good harvest. Over time, these practices merged with Confucian traditions, turning Chuseok into a day for honoring ancestors as well as celebrating the harvest.
3. ‘Chuseok’ Means ‘Autumn Evening’
The word Chuseok is made up of two Chinese characters: chu (秋) meaning autumn, and seok (夕) meaning evening. This reflects the holiday’s connection to autumn and the full moon. Chuseok falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which is around the time of the autumn equinox. The full moon is a symbol of completeness and abundance in Korean culture, which fits perfectly with the themes of family unity and the harvest.
4. Songpyeon – The Special Chuseok Rice Cake
A big part of Chuseok is making Songpyeon (송편), a traditional Korean rice cake. These little cakes are made from rice flour and filled with things like sesame seeds, red beans, chestnuts, or sweet honey. Families gather to make Songpyeon together, and it’s believed that whoever makes the prettiest Songpyeon will have good fortune or beautiful children in the future. The crescent shape of Songpyeon is said to represent the full moon, linking it to the holiday’s lunar symbolism.
5. Chuseok Is a Three-Day Holiday with a Big Travel Rush
Chuseok isn’t just a one-day celebration—it lasts for three days, giving families time to travel back to their hometowns to visit relatives. This is often called the “Chuseok Exodus” because so many people are on the move. Highways are packed, train tickets sell out early, and airports are crowded as millions of Koreans head home to celebrate with family. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, with people planning their trips months in advance.
6. Charye – An Ancestral Memorial Service
At the heart of Chuseok is Charye (차례), a special ceremony to honor deceased family members. Early in the morning, families set up a table filled with food offerings like rice, fruits, fish, and traditional drinks. The arrangement of the food follows specific rules based on Confucian teachings. After offering the food to the spirits of their ancestors, the family bows deeply to pay their respects. Once the ceremony is over, everyone shares the food, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead.
7. Ganggangsullae – A Traditional Dance for Women
One of the most unique Chuseok traditions is the Ganggangsullae (강강술래) dance, which is performed by women, especially in Korea’s southern regions. This dance, which dates back hundreds of years, is performed under the full moon. Women hold hands, form a circle, and sing while dancing in a circle. The dance was historically performed to celebrate the harvest and bring good fortune, and today it continues as a fun and meaningful part of the holiday, especially in rural areas.
8. Different Foods in Different Regions
While Songpyeon is the most famous Chuseok dish, the holiday feasts vary depending on where you are in Korea. In Gyeonggi Province (near Seoul), people often serve beef dishes like galbi-jjim (braised short ribs) or bulgogi (grilled beef). In the southern province of Jeolla, the focus is on seafood, with dishes like jeonbok-juk (abalone porridge) or guljeot (salted oysters). These regional differences reflect Korea’s rich and diverse food culture, with local specialties taking center stage during Chuseok.
9. Ssireum – Traditional Korean Wrestling
During Chuseok, people used to gather for Ssireum (씨름) tournaments, a form of traditional Korean wrestling. In ancient times, the strongest wrestler would win prizes like rice or cattle, which were symbols of wealth and success. Today, Ssireum competitions still take place during Chuseok, and the sport is recognized as an important part of Korea’s cultural heritage. Watching a Ssireum match is a fun way to celebrate Chuseok and connect with its historical traditions.
10. The Full Moon Represents Good Fortune and Unity
The full moon is a powerful symbol during Chuseok. It represents abundance, good luck, and family unity. Many families take time to look at the moon together, a practice called daljip, and make wishes for good health and happiness in the coming year. The round shape of Songpyeon also reflects the moon’s shape, symbolizing completeness and prosperity.
Conclusion
Chuseok is more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of family, culture, and the natural world. Whether it’s making Songpyeon, honoring ancestors through Charye, or enjoying traditional dances and games, Chuseok brings together both ancient traditions and modern family life. The holiday is a special time for Koreans to reflect on the past, give thanks for the present, and look forward to the future. As you learn more about Chuseok, it’s easy to see why this holiday holds such a special place in Korean hearts. Happy Chuseok!
