Modern Chuseok in Seoul: How Korean tradition meets city life

Every September, when the bright, full moon appears, people know Chuseok has arrived. Often called Korea’s “Thanksgiving,” this holiday has been celebrated for decades as a time for families to gather, eat food, and give thanks for the year’s harvest. In the past, families shared rice, made songpyeon (송편), and honored their ancestors. But in Seoul today, the traditions have modernized over time, making Chuseok look a little different. While the heart of the holiday remains, the way people celebrate it has evolved.

A long time ago, Chuseok was tied to farming. It was a time when families gathered together after the harvest to eat what they had grown to show gratitude. But in Seoul, surrounded by tall buildings and landscapes, people no longer live by the old tradition, the farming calendar. Nevertheless, the strong spirit of Chuseok persists. People still gather, share food, and enjoy time with loved ones.

One thing that has stayed the same is travel. Every year, highways are all filled up with people returning to their hometowns. It is one of the busiest times on the road. Because of that, Seoul becomes unusually quiet during Chuseok. However, for those who stay, the city offers all sorts of different kinds of celebrations. There are so many festivals throughout, such as the fireworks festival, or even at traditional palaces like Gyeongbokgung, where special performances and holiday events are held. A lot of young people also stay in the city. They spend time with friends, rest during the long weekend, or visit attractions instead. The idea of Chuseok as family time continues, but how people spend it is becoming more flexible. While these festivals are very vibrant and spirited, the overwhelming costs are also a factor that people should consider. According to a report from the Korea Times, it costs approximately 130 million to watch the fireworks festival up close.

Furthermore, food has always been the center of Chuseok. Families enjoy eating songpyeon (송편), the rice cakes, and dumplings, but in Seoul, these are often bought from department stores or local bakeries instead of being made at home. Nowadays, there are so many new flavors, from the black sesame songpyeon to new, rainbow colored ones.

Gift giving is also an integral part of Chuseok. In the past, fruit or rice were common gifts. These days, stores sell all kinds of gift sets. Some include skincare products, perfume, coffee, or even tea. This shows how the city has shaped old customs. People still give to show care, but the gifts have also evolved to match modern lifestyles.

Perhaps the biggest change in Seoul is how younger people view family during Chuseok. Some still practice the charye (차례), or ancestral rites (제사), but others prefer simpler fatherings. More people live alone in the city now, and they celebrate Chuseok in their own way. Some do the simplest things like ordering food, calling relatives online, or taking short trips. For them, Chuseok is less about following the strict traditions and more about finding ways to be thankful.

Chuseok in Seoul shows how traditions grow with time. While the holiday no longer looks like it did in the past, its core hasn’t changed. It’s still about gratitude, family, and sharing. The difference is how Chuseok is expressed in modern times. As the full moon rises over Seoul this September, people continue to gather in their own ways. Some follow traditions closely, while others spend it simply, cherishing the small moments.

So, as Chuseok approaches, ask yourself: How will you spend Chuseok?

Works Cited

“Guide to Chuseok Celebrations across Korea.” The Korea Times, 27 Sept. 2023, www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20230927/guide-to-chuseok-celebrations-across-korea.

Yi, Whan-woo. “Rising Prices Impact Chuseok Gift Sales.” The Korea Times, 5 Sept. 2024, www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/banking-finance/20240905/rising-prices-impact-chuseok-gift-sales.

“How Korea Handles Holiday Inflation.” The Korea Times, 20 Sept. 2025, www.koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20250920/how-korea-handles-holiday-inflation.

“추석.” 나무위키, namu.wiki/w/%EC%B6%94%EC%84%9D.