{"id":606,"date":"2026-07-01T15:15:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:15:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/a-blog.enko.kr\/?p=606"},"modified":"2026-07-01T15:23:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:23:22","slug":"experiencing-chuseok-in-korea-a-guide-for-international-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stay.enko.kr\/blog\/experiencing-chuseok-in-korea-a-guide-for-international-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Experiencing Chuseok in Korea: A Guide for International Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discover why Chuseok 2025 is extra special for international students in Korea. With the holiday stretching through National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day, this year offers one of the longest breaks ever, perfect for experiencing Korean traditions, food, and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Chuseok is one of the biggest holidays in Korea, a time when families gather, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the harvest together. But Chuseok in 2025 is especially unique. This year, the holiday overlaps with National Foundation Day (October 3) and Hangeul Day (October 9), creating one of the longest holiday breaks ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For international students, this means more than just time off from classes. It\u2019s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fully immerse yourself in Korean culture. With the right approach, you can turn this long holiday into an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond a simple vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll share the best ways international students can enjoy Chuseok in Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What is Chuseok?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chuseok usually falls in September or October, following the lunar calendar. It\u2019s one of Korea\u2019s biggest holidays, marked by three days of rest, family gatherings, and ancestral rituals (called charye, \ucc28\ub840). Much like Thanksgiving in the United States, it\u2019s a time to express gratitude for the year\u2019s harvest and spend time with loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key traditions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Visiting family graves (seongmyo, \uc131\ubb18) to honor ancestors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Preparing ritual food such as rice, meat, fruits, and the famous songpyeon (half-moon-shaped rice cakes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) during ceremonies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Chuseok Traditions You\u2019ll Notice<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Even if you don\u2019t travel to a Korean household, you\u2019ll see traces of Chuseok everywhere:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Supermarkets & markets filled with gift sets (fruit boxes, health tonics, premium oils).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Busy highways and train stations as millions of Koreans return to their hometowns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • TV specials showcasing Chuseok concerts, variety shows, and traditional performances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      For many international students, it\u2019s fascinating to observe how deeply family and tradition are valued in Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"busy
      Crowded highways during the holiday season \/News1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/span>How International Students Can Join Chuseok<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The good news is, you don\u2019t have to be invited to a Korean household to enjoy Chuseok. Many schools and communities open their doors to international students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/span>1. University Programs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Major universities such as Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University often organize small Chuseok events through their international offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Songpyeon-making workshops where you can learn how to shape and steam the traditional rice cakes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Hanbok experience sessions where you get to try on beautiful traditional outfits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Traditional games such as yutnori (a board game) and ganggangsullae (a circle dance).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        These programs are designed to help exchange students and visiting scholars feel included and experience Korean traditions firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/span>2. Community & City Events<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Local districts in Seoul, like Seongbuk-gu and Jongno-gu<\/strong>, often hold cultural festivals during Chuseok<\/strong>. These events are usually open to everyone and include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Folk performances such as pungmul (farmers\u2019 drumming).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Craft workshops where you can make traditional fans or masks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Food booths offering Chuseok specialties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          \ud83d\udca1 Tip:<\/strong> Keep an eye on your university bulletin board or community center announcements in September. Many programs require pre-registration but are either free or very affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/span>3. Creating Your Own Celebration<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If you don\u2019t have time to join official programs, you can still celebrate Chuseok in simple ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Buy songpyeon at a local market and share them with friends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Cook a small Korean meal together with your classmates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Watch a Chuseok TV program or a historical drama to get a feel for traditional culture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Take a trip to a palace (like Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung), which often offer free entry and cultural events during holidays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \"Making
            Making songpyeon by Kim Yong-man, Hamyang County Office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            <\/span>Why Chuseok Matters for International Students<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            For many students abroad, holidays can feel lonely since family is far away. Participating in Chuseok activities gives you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • A sense of belonging in Korean culture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Memories to take home, from wearing hanbok to tasting homemade songpyeon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • A deeper understanding of Korean values, such as family, gratitude, and tradition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              <\/span>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Chuseok is more than just a holiday, it\u2019s a window into the heart of Korean culture. Whether you join a university event, attend a local community festival, or simply enjoy rice cakes with friends, each experience will bring you closer to Korea and its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              So this Chuseok, don\u2019t just watch from the sidelines, take part. Try the food, play the games, wear the hanbok, and most importantly, share the spirit of gratitude. You\u2019ll find that celebrating Chuseok as an international student can turn into one of your most cherished memories of studying in Korea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Discover why Chuseok 2025 is extra special for international students in Korea. With the holiday stretching through National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day, this year offers one of the longest breaks ever, perfect for experiencing Korean traditions, food, and culture. Chuseok is one of the biggest holidays in Korea, a time when families gather, honor […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":613,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture"],"blocksy_meta":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t