Korean Thanksgiving 2025

Description

Chuseok is the Korean name for Thanksgiving in South Korea. It is a time when families remember and honor their ancestors and give thanks for the harvest and the year that has passed.

The holiday usually falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar. That date moves each year on the regular calendar, so Chuseok can come in September or October.

Chuseok is one of the biggest national holidays in South Korea. Many people get several days off so they can gather with family and travel home to their hometowns.

The holiday is significant because it connects people to their family history and to the cycles of nature. It helps younger generations learn about their roots and cultural identity.

Chuseok also highlights gratitude for food and community. It is a moment for people across the country to reflect on what they are thankful for and to celebrate together.

Traditions

Families travel to hometowns and gather at grandparents house. They cook together, laugh, and sit around low tables. Children often wear hanbok for special photos and to show respect to elders.

A key ritual is charye, an ancestral memorial ceremony. Food is arranged neatly on a table as an offering. Families bow deeply to honor ancestors and then share the meal together.

Songpyeon rice cakes are made by hand with sesame, beans, or chestnut fillings. Other foods include japchae, bulgogi, rice, fruits, and sweet snacks called hangwa. Sharing food is central to the celebration.

People clean and visit family graves in a ritual called beolcho and seongmyo. Traditional games like ganggangsullae circle dances and ssireum wrestling are played for fun. Children receive small gifts or money from elders.

Travel Tips

Expect heavy travel on the day before and after the holiday. Trains, buses, and highways are very busy. Book tickets and accommodation early. Many small shops, markets, and museums close, but tourist districts and large malls stay open.

Carry cash, fully charge your phone, and bring a power bank. Join public events or visit parks and temples that welcome visitors. Be patient, polite, and follow local rules. Respect closures and enjoy quieter sites to have a safe, meaningful visit.