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Chuseok (추석), also known as Hangawi (한가위) or Korean Harvest Festival, is a major traditional holiday celebrating the autumn harvest and paying tribute to ancestors.
Date:
Chuseok (추석) is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late September or early October.
Other Names for Chuseok:
Hangawi (한가위), Gabae (가배), Jungchujeol (중추절), Korean Harvest Festival, Korean Thanksgiving Day.
Public Holiday:
Chuseok is a three-day public holiday in South Korea, with many businesses closing and public transportation being heavily utilized for travel.
Chuseok Foods:
- Songpyeon (송편): Half-moon rice cakes filled with sweet fillings and steamed on pine needles. Songpyeon is considered the most significant dish during Chuseok.
- Bulgogi (불고기): Marinated beef grilled or stir-fried.
- Jeon (전): Savory Korean pancakes made from vegetables, seafood, or meat, and pan-fried to crispy perfection.
- Galbijjim (갈비찜): Braised beef short ribs cooked in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce until they are tender and flavorful taste.
- Toranguk (토란국): A soup made with taro root and beef.
- Tteokguk (떡국): A traditional Korean soup made with sliced rice cakes and beef.
- Sanjeok (산적): Skewered and grilled marinated meat and vegetables.
- Hangwa (한과): Traditional Korean confections made from ingredients such as flour, honey, fruits, etc.
- Saengseontwigim (생선튀김): Lightly battered and deep-fried fish, crispy and delicious as a side dish.
- Japchae (잡채): Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Namul (나물): Various seasoned vegetable side dishes, commonly made with greens like spinach or bean sprouts.
Chuseok Customs:
- Family Reunions: People travel back to their hometowns to spend time with family.
- Wearing Hanbok (한복): Hanbok is traditional Korean clothing.
- Charye (차례): Ritual ceremonies where families pay respects to their ancestors by preparing and presenting special food.
- Seongmyo (성묘): Visiting ancestral graves to clean, offer food, and show respect.
- Traditional Games: Includes 씨름 (ssireum, Korean wrestling), 강강술래 ( ganggangsullae, a traditional dance), and 윷놀이 (Yut Nori, a board game).
