Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is a major mid-autumn harvest festival and a three-day holiday in South Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar on the full moon. The origins of Chuseok can be traced back to Koreas past as an agrarian society, where families would gather to enjoy time together and give thanks to their ancestors for the plentiful harvest. Chuseok is also known as Hangawi, which means the 15th day of August, according to the lunar calendar.

During Chuseok, Koreans celebrate by making special foods, particularly a certain kind of rice cake called songpyeon, which is made with finely ground new rice and filled with sesame seeds, chestnuts, red beans, or other similar ingredients. Another popular Chuseok food is jeon, traditional Korean pancakes made using fish, sweet potato, zucchini, and other ingredients coated with egg and/or flour and then pan-fried. Galbijjim, a Korean braised beef short ribs dish, is also commonly found at dinner tables during Chuseok.

In addition to food, gift-giving is also a Chuseok tradition in modern-day Korea. Koreans will present gifts to not only their relatives but also to friends and business acquaintances to show their thanks and appreciation. Some customary gift ideas are high-quality cuts of beef, fresh fruit such as apples, and gift sets of everything from traditional Korean snacks to cosmetics.

Overall, Chuseok is a time for Koreans to come together with family and friends, enjoy traditional foods, and give thanks for the abundant autumn harvest.