Why Chuseok Is Such a Big Deal in Korea—and Why Our Favorite K-Celebs Celebrate It Too

 

If you’ve been following your favorite Korean celebrities lately, you’ve probably noticed one word appearing everywhere: Chuseok.

From sweet holiday greetings and hanbok photos to idols sending messages to fans and actors wishing everyone a peaceful break, Chuseok seems to take over Korea every year. But what exactly makes this holiday so special?

For Koreans, Chuseok is much more than just a few days off. It is one of the country’s biggest and most important traditional holidays, alongside Seollal, the Lunar New Year. In 2026, Chuseok falls on September 25, with the holiday period running around September 24–26.

So, what is Chuseok?

Often compared to Thanksgiving, Chuseok is traditionally a celebration of the autumn harvest—a time to give thanks for the year's abundance and remember family and ancestors.

It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the harvest moon lights up the sky. The holiday is also known as Hangawi, a name associated with the great autumn harvest.

And perhaps the most beautiful part? Family is at the heart of it.

Millions of Koreans traditionally travel back to their hometowns during Chuseok to spend time with their loved ones. Families gather around the table, share food, catch up, remember those who came before them and simply enjoy being together.

It's all about family, food and gratitude

One of the most recognizable Chuseok traditions is charye, a memorial ritual honoring ancestors. Families may also visit ancestral graves, while others celebrate in more modern and simplified ways.

And then, of course, there is the FOOD. Because what is a Korean holiday without a feast?

The star of the Chuseok table is songpyeon, the iconic half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with ingredients such as sesame, beans or red beans. Other favorites include jeon, japchae, namul, fruit and traditional drinks.

There are also traditional activities, games and performances associated with the holiday, including ganggangsullae, a traditional circle dance performed under the full moon.

And yes, even our favorite K-celebs celebrate it!

This is probably the part K-drama and K-pop fans love the most.

During Chuseok, our favorite actors and idols often take a break from their busy schedules to send heartfelt messages to fans. Some appear in hanbok, some share cozy holiday photos, while others simply leave fans a sweet message wishing them a happy and restful Chuseok.

And honestly? Seeing our favorite celebrities in traditional hanbok, surrounded by the warm autumn atmosphere, makes the holiday feel even more special.

Whether they're filming a drama, preparing for a comeback or traveling for schedules, Chuseok gives Korean stars a chance to pause and connect with their families—and with fans around the world.

That's why those little Chuseok greetings mean more than just “Happy Chuseok.” They are part of a much bigger cultural tradition centered on family, gratitude, remembrance and togetherness.

A holiday that keeps evolving

Of course, Chuseok doesn't look exactly the same for every Korean family today.

Modern lifestyles have changed some traditions, and people celebrate in different ways. Some families continue ancestral rituals, while others focus simply on spending quality time together, eating good food, traveling or resting at home.

But the heart of Chuseok remains remarkably familiar: come home, spend time with the people you love, appreciate what you have and remember where you came from.

And maybe that's why Chuseok feels so special—even to fans outside Korea.

We may be watching from thousands of miles away, but when our favorite K-stars wish us a happy Chuseok, share their holiday photos or show up in beautiful hanbok, we're getting a tiny glimpse into one of Korea's most meaningful traditions.

So this Chuseok, while we're busy screaming over our favorite idols' holiday selfies and celebrity hanbok looks, let's also remember what the celebration is really about.

Family. Gratitude. Love. And making time for the people who matter. 🌕🤍

Happy Chuseok, everyone!