From olden times Korean people have celebrated chusok (15th day of the 8th month by the lunar calendar) as a major folk holiday.
Chusok, literally meaning the evening of an autumn day, originated in the custom that they celebrated the full-moon day of the month when crops were ripening.
They regarded it as a duty and tradition to visit the graves of their ancestors on the day.
They visited the graves in holiday attire and performed a memorial service. There was also a custom of enjoying the full moon.
They saw the rising moon, some on a high mountain near their homes and others in the yards of their homes. This custom clearly reflects the inner world of the Korean people who are sentimental and emotional.
On the eve of chusok, families prepared good dishes for the holiday.
Half-moon-shaped, stuffed rice cake is a must dish almost symbolic of the day.
Fermented glutinous rice pancake made with powdered glutinous rice and malt is a famous special dish of Pyongyang.
Chusok still serves as a major occasion for recalling the deceased relatives and friends.
This year chusok falls on September 17.
Kye Sung Mu
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