Celebrate Chuseok
South Korea’s Harvest Festival
September 20-22, 2021

Chuseok, is South Korea’s “Autumn Eve” harvest festival, similar to mid-autumn festivals in China and Vietnam, and Tsukimi in Japan; a South Korean Thanksgiving. During Chuseok, many Koreans travel to their hometown to be with family and show gratitude towards their ancestors. Families hold a memorial service honoring their ancestors which includes a table of special food offerings such as freshly harvested rice, rice cakes (songpyeon), and seasonal fruit, and vegetables. During Chuseok it is common for families to visit ancestral graves to clean the area and bow to one’s ancestors as a sign of respect and gratitude. Community games and competitions take place such as archery, tug-of-war, martial arts, traditional dance, and wrestling. A more modern Chuseok custom includes exchanging gifts. 

You can celebrate Chuseok locally here in the Bay Area at the largest festival in the area, the Korean Center, Chuseok Festival, held next month October 20-27, 2021. Read the Moon Rabbit tale, the Korean version of the Mid-Autumn harvest folklore tale common throughout Asian cultures.  

SCU's community includes South Korean students, faculty and staff and in the spirit of Chuseok, we express gratitude to all members of our SCU community.

Best,

Susan Popko
Associate Provost for International Programs

 

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