Charye today is more cultural than religious. The term literally translates as “tea ceremony” and involves an elaborate table prepared to honor ancestors who have passed — families gather from near and far to also ask for blessings in hopes of bountiful harvests, protection and good fortune. Many wear hanbok (traditional clothing) for the formal ceremony and a feast follows. <\/p>
“Family and food are both rooted in Korean traditions,” says Grace Han, a mom of one and a former teacher based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “Chuseok, like many other Korean celebrations, honors the survival, intergenerational community and the strength of our people.” <\/p>
Han adds that she and her family talk about the idea of harvest during Chuseok, how it is a time to be thankful for each other and the community for their bountiful lives. Not surprisingly, Chuseok is sometimes referred to as Korean Thanksgiving in the U.S.<\/p>
Key takeaways<\/h3>- Chuseok is Korea’s major harvest festival, celebrating family, gratitude and honoring ancestors through traditions like charye, festive meals and time spent together. It’s a meaningful opportunity to teach children about Korean culture, heritage and the importance of appreciating loved ones.<\/li>
- Families can bring Chuseok to life through hands-on activities such as making traditional foods like songpyeon and jeon, learning the Ganggangsullae dance, playing Yut-Nori and exploring Korean books, music and crafts. These experiences help kids connect with the holiday in fun, memorable ways.<\/li>
- Celebrating Chuseok encourages children to learn about another culture while reflecting on themes of gratitude, community and family traditions. For Korean and Korean American families especially, the holiday helps strengthen cultural identity and pass cherished customs from one generation to the next.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
When is Chuseok?<\/h2>
Chuseok is on the 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar but is nationally celebrated with a three-day festival in South Korea. In 2026, Chuseok begins on September 24 on the Gregorian calendar.<\/p>
Ways to celebrate Chuseok with kids<\/h2>
Ahead are some fun ways to celebrate Chuseok with kids of all ages.<\/p>
1. Read about Korean cultural celebrations<\/strong><\/h3>![\"Korean](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/KoreanCelebrationsBook_ProductImage-1024x824.jpg\")
Image via Bookshop<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>Through games, crafts, foods and stories, “Korean Celebration: Festivals, Holidays, and Traditions<\/a>” by Tina Cho offers young readers a window into Korean cultural celebrations, including how Chuseok is celebrated. <\/p>2.<\/strong> <\/strong>Try songpyeon, the ultimate Chuseok treat<\/strong><\/h3>
- Chuseok is Korea’s major harvest festival, celebrating family, gratitude and honoring ancestors through traditions like charye, festive meals and time spent together. It’s a meaningful opportunity to teach children about Korean culture, heritage and the importance of appreciating loved ones.<\/li>
- Families can bring Chuseok to life through hands-on activities such as making traditional foods like songpyeon and jeon, learning the Ganggangsullae dance, playing Yut-Nori and exploring Korean books, music and crafts. These experiences help kids connect with the holiday in fun, memorable ways.<\/li>
- Celebrating Chuseok encourages children to learn about another culture while reflecting on themes of gratitude, community and family traditions. For Korean and Korean American families especially, the holiday helps strengthen cultural identity and pass cherished customs from one generation to the next.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
When is Chuseok?<\/h2>
Chuseok is on the 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar but is nationally celebrated with a three-day festival in South Korea. In 2026, Chuseok begins on September 24 on the Gregorian calendar.<\/p>
Ways to celebrate Chuseok with kids<\/h2>
Ahead are some fun ways to celebrate Chuseok with kids of all ages.<\/p>
1. Read about Korean cultural celebrations<\/strong><\/h3>
Image via Bookshop<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Through games, crafts, foods and stories, “Korean Celebration: Festivals, Holidays, and Traditions<\/a>” by Tina Cho offers young readers a window into Korean cultural celebrations, including how Chuseok is celebrated. <\/p>
2.<\/strong> <\/strong>Try songpyeon, the ultimate Chuseok treat<\/strong><\/h3>