Is Gen Z Killing Traditional Chuseok or Redefining It?
- lewishooper1
- 33 minutes ago
- 3 min read
In this article, we will focus on whether or not Gen Z is killing the traditional Korean Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holiday, or perhaps redefining it. We explain why Korea's busiest holiday might take a surprising turn this year.
Chuseok in the 21st century
Chuseok in Korea is one of the biggest national holidays of the year. With Gen Z having a more rebellious side than their elders, many traditions that surround Chuseok, such as wearing Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and bowing to ancestors, are starting to disappear. Is Chuseok about celebrating traditions that have been passed down for generations? Or is it simply about spending time with loved ones, and taking a rest bit from the tedious rat race that we find ourselves in?
Chuseok 2025 dates
Chuseok this year will be a seven-day holiday, otherwise known as a "Golden Holiday" from October 3 - October 9, with some Koreans taking additional leave, making it a ten-day holiday. It will mark Korea's longest holiday in 2025.
Gen Z
Young Koreans these days, otherwise known as Gen Z spend a lot of time on social media. It is because of these social media platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube, that you'll find a whole host of streamers posting themselves in Hanbok, or perhaps making Chuseok-themed food. Of course, because this is an extended holiday, traffic on these sites is higher than usual.
Thanks to K-pop idols, influencers also join in sharing special Chuseok greetings and photoshoots in traditional attire. Fans often repost widely, which have started to gain the attention of people living overseas who are interested in K-culture, wanting to join in on some of the festivities.
This digital expression has become just as important as in-person family gatherings, allowing Gen Z Koreans to connect with friends and followers while still honoring the spirit of the holiday.
Traditional foods
Chuseok has a wide variety of traditional foods, which are prepared each year mainly by the eldest son's wife. As more families opt for a less formal and less stressful holiday, some of these foods are still enjoyed in a more casual way, leaving less burden on one individual.
Songpyeon — Half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with ingredients like sesame seeds, chestnuts, or red bean paste. They're steamed over pine needles, giving them a distinctive aroma, these are also very colorful, and they are usually pink, white or a jade green. For some of the Dojeon team, they are a different palate taste to what we are used to in the West.
Jeon — Korean-style savory pancakes made from ingredients like zucchini, meat, or fish, dipped in egg batter and pan-fried. This is something which is served all year round, and it's said that the hot sizzling sounds are very popular on rainy days. Lewis Hooper from the Dojeon team particularly loves the octopus jeon as it's packed full of delicious flavors.
Galbijjim — Braised short ribs, a festive favorite, and also Lewis Hooper's favorite. The flavors are on point, and the short ribs are simply something that people of all ages enjoy!
Folk Games and Entertainment
Games and entertainment is also a big part of Chuseok, and although some of the games that we are going to mention are more on the traditional side, they are also starting to make a comeback with Gen Z as they are posted on social media.
Yutnori is a traditional board game played with four wooden sticks, which Lewis Hooper has tried on during a trip to Jeonju earlier in the year. This game, although simple to play, has a selection or rules that need to be mastered to become good at the game, though at the end of the day, this is just about family fun.
Traditional music and mask dances are also sometimes performed during Chuseok festivals. Though today, these are more for the tourist side or deeply traditional families.
The Doejon Media team would love to know how you will be spending Chuseok this year. Drop a comment and let us know!