Chuseok is Korea's harvest festival and ancestral holiday, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Families honor their ancestors, share food like songpyeon, play traditional games, and reunite, making it one of the most cherished holidays in Korean culture.

When is Chuseok?

Chuseok in South Korea is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

The following is the list of Chuseok from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Chuseok?

Chuseok has its roots in Korea's agrarian society. It began as a harvest festival, when people thanked their ancestors and deities for providing a bountiful crop.

The holiday is connected to shamanistic rituals of honoring the moon, which symbolized abundance and protection.

Historical records describe a festival called Gabae (가배), celebrated during the Silla Kingdom. Women competed in weaving contests, and the losing team had to treat the winners to a feast — likely an early form of Chuseok.
Festivities included banquets, games, and dances, showing its dual role as both a harvest festival and a communal celebration.

Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392): Chuseok became more formalized, with ancestral rites (charye) and communal gatherings. Families began offering newly harvested crops to ancestors as a sign of gratitude.

Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897): Confucianism influenced the holiday, emphasizing ancestor veneration. Rituals like charye (memorial services) and seongmyo (visiting and cleaning graves) became central. Food traditions, especially making songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes), became firmly established.

In the 20th century, Chuseok grew into both a family holiday and a national cultural festival.

After South Korea's modernization, it was designated a 3-day public holiday, allowing millions to return to their hometowns for family reunions.

Today, while traditional rituals remain important, many families also celebrate with modern foods, entertainment, and travel.