Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of Korea’s most popular and important holidays. Falling on the harvest moon in autumn, it is being celebrated from October 5th to October 8th of 2025. It is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors through traditional customs like seongmyo, beolcho, and charye. 

Korean Americans' celebration of Chuseok is a blend of tradition and adaptation. Families may gather for a home-cooked feast or visit a Chuseok festival at a local Korean center. Families will make offerings or food to pay respect to the deities, the Earth spirits, and ancestors to keep the spirit of gratitude and remembrance alive even when they are far from their ancestral homes.

While songpyeon, the half-moon rice cake, is the dish most associated with Chuseok, the table is filled with many other traditional foods that carry their own meaning and story. 

One of the dishes is Jeon, a savory pancake made with everything from beef to fish to kimchi. During Chuseok, jeon symbolizes prosperity and family abundance. The act of making and sharing this dish is a reminder of gratitude and family unity, as families spend hours with each ingredient and pan-frying the jeon together, turning it into an activity.

Another classic dish is toranguk, a delicious soup made from taro. A root vegetable that is nutty and creamy in flavor. With it being a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, it is eaten to aid in digesting the other rich dishes consumed during the holiday, allowing people to enjoy the Chuseok feast. 

For many, the table will feel complete with a steaming dish of Galbijjim, braised beef short ribs with vegetables. Historically, Galbijjim was considered a luxury dish and was reserved for special occasions, making it a celebratory dish. It signifies a special dish to thank ancestors for their blessings. Galbijjim brings comfort and festivity to family gatherings across generations. 

As we celebrate Chuseok, it’s a remembrance that this holiday is more than just a dish, but a time to gather, reflect, and share the flavors and traditions that connect us to our roots and heritage. Whatever dish your table is filled with, may it be a time of joy and gratitude.

Have a Happy Chuseok!🌙🇰🇷