Chuseok, South Korea’s autumn harvest festival, is a time of thanksgiving, family reunions, and ancestral respect. From the 16th to 18th September, Koreans come together to celebrate their heritage, share traditional foods, and honour the year’s bountiful harvest.
The Asia Scotland Institute extends its warmest wishes to South Korea and all those celebrating Chuseok. As we explore the meaning of this festival, we reflect on the shared values of family, gratitude, and community that resonate globally.
What is Chuseok?
Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of South Korea’s most significant holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, coinciding with the harvest moon. Historically, it marks the end of the harvest season, when families express gratitude to their ancestors and celebrate the abundance of crops.
Chuseok is deeply rooted in Korea’s agricultural traditions, with activities centred around honouring ancestors, sharing food, and celebrating family ties.
The Cultural Importance of Chuseok
One of the key aspects of Chuseok is Charye, a ceremony in which families pay respects to their ancestors by preparing offerings of freshly harvested food. This ritual reinforces the importance of filial piety and respect for one’s roots, both cornerstones of Korean culture.
Traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes filled with beans or sesame seeds) and jeon (savoury pancakes) are shared during family gatherings, symbolising the harvest and the circle of life.
Chuseok’s Growing Influence in Scotland
As South Korea’s influence expands globally, the celebration of Chuseok has gained popularity in many countries, including Scotland. The Korean community in Edinburgh and Glasgow holds events that highlight Korea’s rich cultural heritage, and Korean cuisine has become increasingly popular among Scots.
The Asia Scotland Institute recognises the importance of cultural exchange, and Chuseok offers a wonderful opportunity for Scotland to appreciate South Korea’s traditions, while strengthening the bonds between our two nations.
Celebrations and Traditions
Chuseok is marked by a variety of traditional activities. Folk games like ssireum (Korean wrestling) and traditional music performances are integral to the festival’s celebratory atmosphere. Families also visit their ancestors’ graves to perform beolcho (the clearing of weeds) and offer food and drinks.
For many Koreans, it’s also a time to visit their hometowns, making Chuseok one of the busiest travel periods in South Korea.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
As we celebrate Chuseok, let’s take this moment to appreciate the value of family and heritage, principles that transcend borders. The Asia Scotland Institute encourages everyone to learn more about Korea’s rich cultural traditions and reflect on the gratitude that Chuseok embodies. 즐거운 추석 보내세요! (Happy Chuseok!)
