Aman Saini
Chuseok (추석), also known as hangawi (한가위), stands as one of South Korea’s grandest celebrations. Families unite during this time to express gratitude to their ancestors for a bountiful autumn harvest. Often dubbed Korean Thanksgiving, chuseok is a festivity marked by delectable cuisine, libations, and cherished family gatherings. This jubilant occasion typically falls in September or October, aligning with the lunar calendar’s dictates.
Learn all about Chuseok – from its traditions to the delicious foods and thoughtful gifts – in our easy-to-follow guide!
| What exactly is Chuseok? |
| What is Hangawi? |
| Korean Thanksgiving |
| When is Chuseok? |
| How do you say “Happy Chuseok” in Korean? |
| History |
| Popular Korean Thanksgiving Foods |
| Korean Thanksgiving Gifts |
What exactly is Chuseok?
Chuseok (추석) unfolds as a three-day extravaganza held annually during the fall season. This traditional festivity sees individuals journeying back to their hometowns, expressing gratitude for the autumn yield. Revered as one of Korea’s paramount holidays, Chuseok embodies a quintessential aspect of Korean heritage.
What is Hangawi?
Hangawi (한가위) serves as an interchangeable term for Chuseok, both encapsulating the essence of Korean Thanksgiving.
What is Korean Thanksgiving?
Korean Thanksgiving, often likened to its American counterpart, shares a penchant for familial togetherness and culinary indulgence. This bustling period witnesses households bustling with preparations for grand family reunions, akin to the fervor surrounding Thanksgiving festivities in the United States.
It serves as one of the rare occasions, besides Lunar New Year’s Day or Seollal (설날), for families to congregate. Typically, this entails pilgrimages to the homes of elders, often grandparents, nestled away in rural locales, leading to bustling traffic across the nation’s thoroughfares. For those contemplating a journey to Korea during this time, meticulous planning is imperative, given the high demand for transportation tickets.
When is Chuseok?
Chuseok (추석) finds itself honored on the 15th day of the 8th month in accordance with the lunar calendar. Although the precise date fluctuates annually, Korean Thanksgiving typically falls between September and October.
Chuseok in 2024 is from September 16 to 18.
How do you say “Happy Chuseok” in Korean?
To extend felicitations during Chuseok, one may convey 추석 잘 보내세요 (chuseok jal bonaeseyo), translating to “Have a good Chuseok,” akin to the English expression “Happy Thanksgiving.” Alternatively, 즐거운 한가위 되세요 (jeulgeoun hangawi doeseyo), signifying “Have a Happy Hangawi,” or 즐겁고 풍성한 한가위 되세요 (jeulgeopgo pungseonghan hangawi doeseyo), meaning “Have a Happy and Prosperous Hangawi,” can be employed.
History of Chuseok
Legend traces Chuseok’s origins to an ancient king of the Silla kingdom, who inaugurated a month-long weaving competition between rival factions. The triumphant team, bestowed with lavish feasts and gifts by the vanquished, laid the groundwork for the Thanksgiving tradition nearly two millennia ago. Scholars also intertwine Chuseok with Korea’s agrarian past, where agricultural rituals venerating ancestors and celebrating the harvest moon were commonplace.
Popular Korean Thanksgiving Foods
Culinary delights take center stage in Korean culture, especially during momentous occasions like Korean thanksgiving. Here’s a rundown of delectable Korean Thanksgiving fare synonymous with the festivities:
Songpyeon (송편)
These crescent-shaped rice cakes, typically filled with sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts, are steamed with pine needles for a distinct flavor. Crafting flawless songpyeon is believed to augur well for future endeavors, including marriage and parenthood.
Japchae (잡채)
This savory noodle dish, stir-fried in sesame oil with an array of vegetables and sometimes beef, epitomizes Hangawi feasting.
Jeon (전)
These traditional Korean pancakes, featuring an assortment of ingredients like fish, sweet potato, or zucchini, coated in egg and flour and pan-fried, grace dinner tables during Hangawi.
Galbijjim (갈비찜)
A sumptuous braised beef dish, laden with short ribs and vegetables, offers a rich and savory accompaniment to the festivities, perfect for familial gatherings.
Korean Thanksgiving Gifts
Modern Korean thanksgiving customs include the exchange of gifts, symbolizing goodwill and appreciation. While not obligatory, presenting gifts, particularly to the host family, is deemed a thoughtful gesture. Popular choices include:
Korean Spam Gift Set
Spam, renowned for its versatility in Korean cuisine, is a favored gift during Korean thanksgiving, reflecting Korea’s status as one of the world’s top consumers of the canned meat.
Fruit Baskets
Fruits, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, serve as apt offerings during Korean thanksgiving , aligning with the celebration of a bountiful harvest.
Meat Sets
For meat aficionados, meat sets, featuring an array of meats ranging from premium Hanwoo beef to more affordable alternatives, make for coveted gifts, ideal for enhancing the festive feasting experience.
How Can Visitors and Foreigners Enjoy this Festival?
While experiencing Hangawi in its traditional splendor may prove challenging for foreigners, several avenues exist to partake in the festivities:
Cultural Sites
Explore cultural enclaves like Namsangol Hanok Village, offering immersive holiday events that provide insights into Korean thanksgiving traditions.
Theme Parks
Utilize Hangawi as an opportunity to visit attractions such as Everland or Caribbean Bay, offering discounted rates and fewer crowds during the holiday season, coupled with pleasant weather conducive to outdoor activities.
