Chuseok (추석), often referred to as the Korean Thanksgiving or Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of the most significant holidays in Korean culture. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar under a full harvest moon, it is a time for families to gather, give thanks for a bountiful autumn harvest, and honor their ancestors.
- Korean culture and commerce events in Austin this fall
- Korean culture in Austin through food and community events
This year, Chuseok falls on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Whether you are looking to reconnect with your heritage or experience Korean culture for the first time right here in Central Texas, here is how the holiday is traditionally celebrated and where you can participate locally.
How Chuseok is Traditionally Celebrated
In South Korea, Chuseok is typically a three-day public holiday. The core of the celebration revolves around family, food, and remembrance:
- Charye (Ancestor Memorial Service): Families gather in the morning to prepare a special table of offerings—including freshly harvested rice, fruits, and meat—to honor their ancestors and thank them for the year's harvest.
- Seongmyo (Visiting Ancestral Graves): It is customary to visit the graves of family members to clean the surrounding area (a practice known as beolcho) and pay respects.
- Traditional Foods: No Chuseok is complete without Songpyeon, traditional half-moon-shaped rice cakes stuffed with sweet fillings like sesame seeds, chestnut paste, or red beans. Families often gather on the eve of Chuseok to make these together.
- Folk Games: Traditional activities like Ganggangsullae (a circular circle dance performed by women under the full moon) and Ssireum (Korean wrestling) are hallmark festivities of the season.
2026 Chuseok Events in Austin
For our local community looking to participate, the University of Texas at Austin is hosting accessible cultural events during their campus-wide Korea Week (September 21–25, 2026).
- Event: Chuseok and Cultural Celebration
- Date & Time: Friday, September 25, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Location: William C. Powers (WCP) Ballroom at UT Austin
- Details: Hosted by Texas Global and co-sponsored by the Korea Foundation, this event brings together students, faculty, and the broader Austin community for a dedicated Chuseok cultural celebration featuring traditional performances.
This gathering is an excellent opportunity for the community to connect, celebrate the harvest season, and enjoy a showcase of Korean arts and culture locally.
