Chuseok Unwrapped: A Fun Foodie Guide to Korean Thanksgiving

2024년 9월 13일

3 min

If you think Thanksgiving is the ultimate food and family holiday, let me introduce you to Chuseok—Korea’s very own Thanksgiving, but with a twist! Imagine a three-day holiday where you get to indulge in delicious foods, share time with loved ones, and possibly sit in the worst traffic jams of the year. Yep, Chuseok is all that and more.

Chuseok, which means "autumn eve," falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, which means the date changes every year (just to keep things interesting). This year, Chuseok runs from September 30 to October 2, so you have plenty of time to prep your taste buds.

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Chuseok is also known for the massive migration of people heading back to their hometowns. The roads get so jam-packed that you might as well bring a full picnic for the car ride—it’s basically a mini Chuseok feast on wheels!

Chuseok Gifts: Why Koreans Go Crazy for Spam (Yes, Spam!)

Let’s talk about gifts. If someone handed you a box of Spam as a holiday gift, you might be a little confused, right? Well, in Korea, Spam is practically a Chuseok superstar. We’re talking high-end gift sets, beautifully packaged and ready to impress your family, friends, and even your boss.

Why Spam? It’s a long story involving wartime rations and cultural adaptation, but let’s just say it’s become a beloved part of the Korean pantry. Think of it as the edible equivalent of a quirky yet thoughtful Christmas gift—like a fancy cheese basket but with a salty, meaty twist.

Want to see these gift sets in action? Here’s a peek at some of the most extravagant Spam gifts you can find during Chuseok: Korea's Love Affair with Spam .

Photo by Chosun.com

Charye & Chill: A Modern Take on Chuseok Traditions

Photo By Daekyoung Ilbo

Now, let’s get a little more traditional—but with a modern twist. Charye is the heart of Chuseok, a ceremony where families prepare a table full of food to honor their ancestors. It’s a beautiful way to connect with your roots, but let’s be honest, not everyone has the time (or the cooking skills) to pull off an Instagram-worthy spread.

So, what’s a modern Chuseok celebrator to do? Enter the Chuseok dinner party! Gather your friends, order in some Korean BBQ, and set the vibe with some K-pop tunes. It’s all about celebrating your way—whether that’s with a full traditional spread or a casual, laid-back get-together.

Looking for a Chuseok playlist to set the mood? Check out this curated K-pop playlist to get the party started: Chuseok Vibes .

Food, Glorious Food:

Songpyeon & Jeon: Traditional Treats with a Twist

No Chuseok is complete without food, and Songpyeon is the star of the show. These cute, crescent-shaped rice cakes are stuffed with delicious fillings like sesame seeds, chestnuts, or sweetened red beans. There’s also a fun superstition that the prettier your Songpyeon, the better-looking your future kids will be—so no pressure!

Jeon, on the other hand, is like the ultimate Korean pancake. It’s savory, customizable, and perfect for Chuseok feasting. Whether you’re into kimchi, seafood, or just plain old veggies, there’s a Jeon for you.

Need a Songpyeon hack? Most markets sell them pre-made, so you can skip the kitchen stress and get straight to the eating.

Japchae & Namul: Korean Comfort Food for Every Occasion

Next up, we have Japchae, the stir-fried glass noodle dish that’s as vibrant as it is tasty. These chewy noodles, made from sweet potato starch, are mixed with a colorful array of veggies and sometimes a little bit of beef or pork. It’s the dish that’s perfect for any occasion, not just Chuseok.

Namul is like Japchae’s cool, health-conscious cousin. It’s a variety of seasoned vegetable dishes that are as good for you as they are delicious. Think of it as the Korean version of a superfood salad—but with way more flavor.

Want to give Japchae a try? Here’s an easy recipe from Maangchi, one of the best Korean food bloggers out there: Japchae Recipe .

Galbi: The Star of the Chuseok Table

Finally, we can’t forget Galbi—the tender, juicy, braised beef ribs that everyone looks forward to. Galbi is the Chuseok equivalent of a Thanksgiving turkey, except way more flavorful. Marinated in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sometimes a splash of Korean pear juice, these ribs are slow-cooked to perfection.

If you’re up for a little kitchen adventure, try making Galbi at home. Here’s a fantastic recipe from Korean Bapsang: Galbi-jjim Recipe by Hyosun Ro.

Whether you’re going all out with a full traditional feast or just picking up a few Chuseok essentials from your local Korean market, remember that this holiday is all about gratitude, family, and of course, food. So grab some friends, cook up (or order) some delicious dishes, and celebrate Chuseok your way. Happy Chuseok!

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