Beginner’s Guide To One Of Korea’s Most Important Holiday: Chuseok
In the United States, Thanksgiving is one of the most awaited events annually. Americans celebrate this day in order to show gratitude for the harvest and blessings they have received that year.
추석 (chuseok, which means autumn eve) in Korea is the same. In fact, many people even refer to it as the “Korean Thanksgiving.” The holiday lasts for three days and falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.
There are many traditions and customs during Chuseok. Here’s how most Koreans celebrate it:
Visiting Family
It’s no surprise that many of us want to be with our loved ones during the holidays. That is why travelling home is one of the first things do when it’s time to commemorate Chuseok.
Family members will usually gather at the head house of the family, which is often the grandparents’ house. It is typically located in provinces so heavy traffic is expected all over Korea on this period.
Ancestor Memorial Services
In the morning of Chuseok, family members will perform Charye, a memorial service to honor their ancestors. Food offerings are prepared that normally includes rice that are freshly harvested, alcohol and rice cakes.
Charye is not only practiced during thanksgiving. It is also done during Seollal, or the Lunar New Year’s Day.
Going To Ancestors’ Graves
Another way Koreans show respect to their ancestors is through Seongmyo, or the act of visiting the ancestor’s graves. On their visit, family members will do Beolcho, or the cutting of grass around the grave.
Additionally, they will clear up debris and tidy up the area before taking turns in bowing.
Enjoying Delicious Food
Of course, no celebration is complete without yummy foods at the table. After the service, the whole family can now sit down and enjoy mouth-watering dishes! Popular Chuseok foods include rice cakes that are made with rice powder, chestnuts, sesame seeds and other ingredients.
There’s also japchae, a stir-fried noodle, traditional Korean pancakes called jeon, and for the main dish – galbijim, which is braised beef with vegetables.
Giving Gifts
Spam is a popular breakfast item all over the world. And believe it or not, it is also a popular gift in Korea during Chuseok!
Although giving gifts is not a mandatory tradition during this holiday, it is considered a good gesture especially when you are visiting someone else’s house.
Foods are usually given as gifts, as it is very practical. However, cash, red ginseng and premium hanu beef are some of the top choices as well.
Watching Traditional Games
For those who grew up with WWE, here’s a Korean tradition you’ll surely enjoy. Ssireum is a combat sport that is similar to wrestling and involves two players. They must combine the use of strength and techniques in order to make the opponent’s body touch the ground (other than the feet).
During Chuseok, many competitors assemble for the national tournament. This is why watching the match became one of the traditional forms of entertainment.
Appreciating Traditional Music
Samulnori is a Korean folk music tradition that uses four percussion instruments. It is a combination of two words, with “samul” meaning four objects and “nori”, which means play.
It is performed using a small gong; a larger gong, an hourglass-shaped drum and a barrel drum that are said to symbolize different weather conditions.
The percussion quarter is usually held during holidays like Chuseok and Lunar New Year.
Now that you know what makes this holiday so important in Korea, you are now ready to greet someone during Chuseok! You can say “추석 잘 보내세요” (chuseok jal bonaeseyo) which simply means, “Have a good Chuseok”.
