Chuseok (추석) is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays.
It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on 25 September.
Chuseok is also known as Hangawi (한가위) and is often described as Korea’s harvest festival. It is a time when many people spend time with their families, share traditional food, and express gratitude for the year’s harvest.
At My Korean School, we believe learning about Korean holidays helps students understand both the Korean language and Korean culture more deeply.
Let’s learn more about Chuseok while studying some useful Korean vocabulary and expressions.
The date of Chuseok changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar.
Chuseok Day is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is traditionally full and bright.
Useful Vocabulary
추석 — Chuseok
음력 — lunar calendar
보름달 — full moon
Example Sentence
추석에는 보름달을 봐요.
(We look at the full moon during Chuseok.)
During Chuseok, many Koreans return to their hometowns and spend time with their families.
Family members may eat together, talk, exchange gifts, and enjoy the holiday.
Vocabulary
가족 — family
고향 — hometown
함께 — together
Example Sentence
추석을 가족과 함께 보내요.
(I spend Chuseok with my family.)
Songpyeon is one of the best-known traditional foods eaten during Chuseok.
These small rice cakes are commonly filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, beans, or chestnuts. Families may make songpyeon together as part of their holiday celebration.
Vocabulary
송편 — half-moon-shaped rice cake
쌀 — rice
만들다 — to make
Example Sentence
가족과 함께 송편을 만들어요.
(I make songpyeon with my family.)
Some families hold a memorial ceremony called 차례 during Chuseok.
Families may also visit their ancestors’ graves in a tradition known as 성묘. These customs are ways of remembering ancestors and showing respect.
Vocabulary
조상 — ancestor
차례 — ancestral memorial ceremony
성묘 — visiting ancestral graves
Example Sentence
추석에 조상을 기려요.
(We honour our ancestors during Chuseok.)
🎯 5. Enjoying Traditional Games (전통 놀이)
People may enjoy traditional Korean games and activities during the Chuseok holiday.
These can include 윷놀이, a traditional board game, and 강강술래, a traditional circle dance performed while singing.
Vocabulary
전통 놀이 — traditional game
윷놀이 — Yutnori
강강술래 — traditional Korean circle dance
Example Sentence
가족과 함께 윷놀이를 해요.
(I play Yutnori with my family.)
즐거운 추석 보내세요.
Have a happy Chuseok.
풍성한 한가위 보내세요.
Have a joyful and abundant Hangawi.
가족과 함께 송편을 먹어요.
I eat songpyeon with my family.
보름달을 보며 소원을 빌어요.
I make a wish while looking at the full moon.
Learning Korean through holidays such as Chuseok helps you:
✔ Understand Korean traditions and family culture
✔ Learn culturally meaningful vocabulary
✔ Discover traditional Korean food and activities
✔ Connect language learning with real Korean experiences
At My Korean School, we believe language learning is not only about grammar and vocabulary. Understanding Korean traditions, celebrations, and everyday culture helps learners build a deeper connection with the language.
여러분, 풍성하고 즐거운 한가위 보내세요! 🌕🇰🇷
We wish everyone a joyful and abundant Chuseok!