Chuseok, often called the Korean Thanksgiving, is traditionally known for a mass migration of people across the country. When we think of this holiday, we usually picture heavily congested highways, crowded living rooms, and tables full of food for ancestral rites. However, as our society changes, the holiday looks very different today. Instead of the usual routine, modern Koreans are redefining Chuseok through rest, simple meals, and travel.

Students Who Choose to Stay on Campus

For many university students, the long holiday no longer means heading back to their hometowns. More students are choosing to stay in their off-campus rooms or university dorms. There are many reasons for this decision. Some feel pressure from upcoming exams, while others are busy with job hunting. Many students simply want a break to rest and enjoy some quiet time alone. In the past, spending the holiday alone might have been seen as unusual or even sad. Today, it is simply accepted as a normal part of student life. Rather than feeling lonely, many use thisrare free time to truly focus on themselves.

CU’s 2025 Chuseok ready-to-eat meal sets ©BGF Retail



Simplifying Holiday Meals

This cultural shift also affects the food people eat during the holiday. In the past, preparing for Chuseok meant days of hard work. People had to buy ingredients from crowded markets and spend hours in the kitchen making jeon (Korean pancakes). Today, convenience takes priority over strict tradition. The holiday dining table is becoming much simpler. Families are increasingly choosing ready-to-eat meals or meal kits that take just a few minutes to cook. Supermarkets now sell high-quality, pre-made Chuseok food sets that taste as good as home cooking. Convenience stores often release special Korean-style lunch boxes packed with traditional favorites like songpyeon. This change in holiday customs reduces stress and allows those spending the holiday alone to enjoy traditional foods.

Traveling During Chuseok

Perhaps the most noticeable change is where people choose to go during the holiday. Instead of competing for train tickets, many Koreans are now booking flights. Incheon International Airport regularly reports record numbers of passengers during the Chuseok break. Families are using the long holiday as a welcome chance to travel domestically or abroad to nearby destinations like Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

They are replacing traditional gatherings with resort stays or sightseeing tours. Even those who stay in Korea are enjoying hocance—a Korean term for a hotel staycation. Rather than going to a crowded family home where chores await, many families choose to stay in hotels. This way, the entire family can relax and enjoy a vacation together without the added burden of holiday chores.

The Enduring Spirit of Chuseok

Older generations might feel sad that these traditions are fading away. However, this change does not mean that people have lost family values. Instead, it shows how society is adapting to the pressures of modern life. Despite the shifts, the core values of Chuseok—gratitude, sharing, and rest—have not faded. Whether it is a student finding peace in a quiet room, a family sharing a simple meal, or relatives traveling together, the modern Chuseok prioritizes personal well-being and meaningful connections.

 

Reporter

Jungwoo Han

han0413@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 한정우

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