Chuseok (Hangawi) in Korea Date in the current year: September 17, 2024

Chuseok is an important public holiday in South Korea. During the festival, people visit their hometowns to pay respect to their ancestors. They visit their ancestors' graves, clean them, and perform special memorial rites. All three days of Chuseok are official non-working days, so Koreans can take their time to travel.

During Chuseok, families gather for celebratory meals which include traditional foods. Some of these foods are: songpyeon (a type of rice cake), hangwa (Korean traditional confectionery), japchae (a type of noodles), and bulgogi (grilled marinated beef). It is also customary to play folk games to celebrate the beginning of Autumn and good harvest.

Since Chuseok is an ancient holiday that had been celebrated long before Korea was divided into two parts, North Koreans also observe it. However, in North Korea this tradition was revived not long ago, and the holiday is not celebrated with much pomp. Most people are unable to visit the graves of their ancestors due to the existing restrictions on travel.