15 Korean Recipes to Make for Chuseok
Chuseok, also known as Hangawi, is one of the biggest national holidays in Korea that occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Traditionally, Chuseok was a time to appreciate the year's bountiful harvest while commemorating the ancestors. But, as the country has become less agriculture-centric, the harvest spirit is less observed. Instead, it's a meaningful time to gather as a family with a spread of delicious foods, seasonal fruit and drinks throughout the three-day holiday.
Many dishes are closely related to the cultural custom of charye. Charye is a type of jesa, a Korean ceremonial ritual to honor ancestors, which is only performed on Chuseok and Seollal (Korean New Year's Day). Each family cooks different dishes for their charye table, but a variety of jeon (savory pancakes) and namul (a catch-all term for seasoned vegetables) are always found. Since cooking is a big effort that can take several days, families bond and catch up while preparing food for charye, and those who live far from home also visit relatives and family members. No matter where you live, cooking these beloved Chuseok recipes will help you feel, taste, and celebrate the joyful holidays.
Curated by James Park