The Chuseok festival: immersion in the heart of a Korean tradition

The world of Korean culture is full of treasures that are increasingly appealing to Westerners. Between dramas, K-pop, K-beauty and the richness of Korean cuisine, there is a deeply rooted and essential aspect that every Korea lover must know: the Chuseok festival.

What is Chuseok Festival?

Chuseok, often described as "Korean Thanksgiving", is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in South Korea. It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which means that it can vary each year depending on the Gregorian calendar. This holiday is a time for families to come together, pay respect to their ancestors, and celebrate the harvest.

Origins and traditions

The Chuseok festival dates back to the times of the ancient kingdoms of the Korean Peninsula. It is linked to the harvest period and the celebrations that result from it. Legend has it that during this period, games and competitions took place to determine the most agile and strongest village.

One of the main traditions of Chuseok is "Charye", an offering ceremony to the ancestors. Families prepare a table filled with food and drinks to pay tribute to their deceased. After the ceremony, food is shared among family members.

Chuseok’s Must-Have Foods

If you've ever had the pleasure of exploring Korean cuisine, you know how varied and flavorful it is. During Chuseok, certain dishes are essential:

Songpyeon: These are small half-moon-shaped rice cakes, filled with sesame seeds, red beans or chestnuts, then steamed on pine needles, which gives them a distinct flavor.

Jeon: These are patties made from different ingredients like vegetables, seafood or meat, which are then dipped in batter and fried.

Japchae: A dish of noodles stir-fried with vegetables and, sometimes, meat.

Chuseok in the world of shopping
For an online sales site for Korean products, like My Little Korea, Chuseok represents an ideal opportunity to introduce its customers to the richness of Korean culture. It's time to highlight not only traditional products linked to the festival, but also to discover modern items inspired by this event.

If you want to give a gift to a loved one for Chuseok, or simply immerse yourself in this celebration from home, don't hesitate to explore our special Chuseok selection to find inspiration!

The Chuseok festival is a window into the soul and traditions of Korea. It reminds us of the importance of family, roots and traditions in Korean culture. Through food, rituals and family gatherings, an entire country comes together to celebrate its identity and heritage. If you are passionate about Korea, Chuseok is a time not to be missed to get a little closer to this fascinating country.