Chuseok (추석) is one of Korea’s biggest and most important holidays, often referred to as “Korean Thanksgiving.” Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or Harvest Moon Festival, Chuseok is a time when families gather to celebrate their ancestors, share gratitude, and enjoy traditional foods and customs.

With over 2,000 years of history, the modern form of Chuseok developed during the Joseon Dynasty (1362–1897). It is observed on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Families begin the day by performing ancestral rituals and visiting ancestral tombs to clean the area and offer food, drinks, and freshly harvested crops. This tradition reflects the Korean belief that ancestors watch over their families and bless the year’s harvest.

During this 3-day celebration, families enjoy traditional dishes, play folk games, and participate in seasonal customs that honor heritage and togetherness.

 The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is one of the most celebrated holidays in Chinese culture. Observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month—when the moon is at its brightest—it is a time for family gatherings and giving thanks, similar to Thanksgiving.

As the second most important holiday in China after Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival is recognized as an official public holiday. People celebrate by sharing special dinners, appreciating the full moon, lighting lanterns, and enjoying traditional mooncakes.

This festival represents unity, harmony, and the joy of reunion, honoring centuries-old traditions that continue across generations.