Who doesn’t love the holidays? One of the coolest parts about being an expat is that you get to celebrate even more of them than you did at home! One of the biggest of the year in South Korea is Chuseok. It’s like Thanksgiving and Christmas all rolled into one. Everyone is gives each other gifts and there is a huge harvest festival meal that families share together.
How long does it last?
Chuseok (Like Christmas and Thanksgiving) is only one day, but the holiday is between 4 -7 days in length depending on the year. Businesses might be closed 1-7 days depending on their family commitments.
When is Chuseok?
The date of Chuseok changes since it is based on the Lunar Calendar. It happens in either September or October.
How does Chuseok affect my life?
- Almost the entire country closes on Chuseok. Everyone is home with their families just like we are on Christmas and Thanksgiving. That means you need to do your banking, grocery shopping, and what not ahead of time.
- Traveling traffic will be CRAZY! We never recommend traveling over Chuseok unless you are with a planned travel group. They will make sure you are fed, have a place to stay, and get to where you need to be. Everyone else will be stuck in traffic jams that stretch across the county. I you do plan on doing a road trip, the best times to drive to get somewhere are 11pm-6am.
- Bus and train tickets will be limited. If you haven’t bought your tickets already, don’t expect to get anywhere on a train. You might have better luck with buses. However, getting anywhere on Chuseok requires a lot of luck.
- Airports. Get there as early as you can. The lines and traffic can be crazy.
What is unique about Chuseok in Pyeongtaek
Due to the fact we have two US Military bases in Pyeongtaek – plus many Koreans live here far away from their families – we have three neighborhoods that have some businesses open during the holiday: 1) Anjeong-ri (Paengseong near Camp Humphreys, 2) Sinjang-dong (Songtan near Osan Air Force Base), and 3) Sosabeol.
How can we participate in Chuseok?
- Gift giving is a big part of the season. If you want to join in the fun, buy a Chuseok gift box and give it to your Korean friends, real estate agent, etc. They will feel the love big time! It feels just like Christmas. Spam is a hugely popular Chuseok gift.
- Visit a business that is open for you. A HUGE thing you can do is visit businesses that are open for your convenience. Remember that these business owners are missing important time-off with family to help make your life more comfortable in Korea. Take them a present (like a coffee or juice from a mart) and tell them, “Thank you and Happy Chuseok!”
- Send Chuseok messages. If you have Kakao there are all kinds of cute Chuseok characters that we all send them to your real estate agent, shop owners, and friends (just like Christmas or Thanksgiving in the states). It makes you feel wonderfully warm and fuzzy to get these messages.
- Support business owners being with family and tell them how glad you are they took care of themselves. I think we can agree that it’s better when people take off the holidays and spend time with loved ones. Support the tradition of Chuseok by planning ahead, not complaining when things are uncomfortable for 48 hours, and celebrating what matters most – family.
How is Chuseok Changing?
Just like this US, holidays are becoming more commercial. More and more places across the country are staying open on the holiday weekend. Mostly in major cities. Change is inevitable.
We know you will learn to love Chuseok once you understand the spirit of things. Read more articles on it. Watch some YouTube videos and embrace this wonderful new holiday you get to add to your life.
Two More Blogs You Should Read About Chuseok in Pyeongtaek
Planning Things to Do for Chuseok in Pyeongtaek
Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhoods for Chuseok
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
