Chuseok is the Korean harvest festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month — the same date as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Often called "Korean Thanksgiving," it is Korea's other major three-day holiday alongside Seollal.
Chuseok dates back to the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD). It originally celebrated the autumn harvest and gave thanks to ancestors. The full moon of Chuseok night is traditionally the brightest of the year.
Charye — ancestor memorial rite. Beolcho — cleaning the family graves. Songpyeon — half-moon shaped rice cakes prepared by families on Chuseok eve. Hanbok worn for ceremonies. Folk games and traditional sports.
Songpyeon — half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste, sesame seeds, or chestnuts. Various jeon. Galbi (grilled ribs). Japchae (glass noodles). Persimmons, Asian pears, and chestnuts as seasonal fruits.
"즐거운 한가위 보내세요" (Have a joyful Chuseok).
3-day public holiday. Mass migration similar to Seollal. Trains sell out months ahead. Department stores hold Chuseok gift-set sales.