Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of the most significant and celebrated holidays in North Korea. Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, Chuseok is a time for Koreans to pay respects to their ancestors and celebrate the bountiful harvest. The festive atmosphere encompasses the whole country, as Koreans take this time to celebrate their cultural heritage and national identity.
Traditions and customs play a substantial role during Chuseok Holiday in North Korea. Apart from the major events like paying homage to the ancestors, there are also a variety of cultural games and dances performed during the festivities. One of the major traditions is the preparation and sharing of a special food known as 'Songpyeon', a type of rice cake filled with a mixture of sesame seeds, sugar, and chestnuts. These home-prepared delicacies are shared amongst family and friends, strengthening communal ties.
Chuseok Holiday is a period of rest and celebration in North Korea. As with any major national holiday, Koreans get time off work, allowing for travel across the country to visit family in their ancestral hometowns. Though foreign travel is restricted, domestic tourism peaks during this period, highlighting the social and cultural significance of the Chuseok holiday. This event represents a close connection to traditional customs and provides North Koreans with a respite from their usual routines, inviting a sense of communal unity and national pride.