Chuseok (추석) — often called "Korean Thanksgiving" — is one of the biggest and most important holidays in Korea. It's a harvest festival centred on family, gratitude and honouring ancestors. Because it follows the lunar calendar, its date varies; in 2026 it falls in late September. Here's the history.
See the Chuseok holiday page for the exact date, or South Korea's holiday calendar.
What is Chuseok?
Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar — the night of the full harvest moon. Traditionally, it was a time to give thanks for the autumn harvest and to share the year's bounty with family and ancestors. Its older name, Hangawi, means "the great middle of autumn."
Honouring ancestors
A central part of Chuseok is charye (차례) — a memorial rite where families prepare food and pay respects to their ancestors. Many people travel back to their hometowns, making Chuseok one of the largest annual migrations in Korea, and visit ancestral graves to tidy them (beolcho).
Songpyeon and traditions
- Songpyeon (송편) — half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with sesame, beans or chestnut, steamed over pine needles — the signature food of Chuseok.
- Charye ancestral rites and beolcho (tending graves).
- Folk games and dances such as ganggangsullae (a circle dance under the full moon).
- Wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress.
Chuseok is typically a three-day holiday in South Korea.
Why the date changes each year
Because Chuseok is set by the lunar calendar (15th day of the 8th lunar month), its date in the Gregorian calendar shifts each year, usually falling in September or early October. Check the holiday page for the exact date.
Quick answers
What is Chuseok? A major Korean harvest festival, often called Korean Thanksgiving, honouring ancestors and giving thanks for the harvest.
What food is eaten at Chuseok? Songpyeon — half-moon rice cakes steamed over pine needles — is the signature dish.
Why does Chuseok's date change? It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, so its Gregorian date varies each year.
When is Chuseok 2026? It falls in late September 2026 — see the holiday page for the exact dates.