Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of the most significant and celebrated holidays in North Korea. The festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar on the full moon. It is a time for North Koreans to pay respects to their ancestors and to share a feast with their families - a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The tradition plays a vital part in Korean societal fabric, emphasizing familial bonds, respect for ancestors, and the joyous celebration of harvest season.
Preparation for Chuseok in North Korea is extensive, and activities include making special foods like Songpyeon, a Korean traditional rice cake, and other delicacies using newly harvested crops. Homes are cleaned and ancestral graves are visited and tidied. These customs are collectively called 'Charye', which translates to 'ancestral memorial rites'. Despite the stern image of the country, North Koreans display a strong sense of togetherness and respect for traditions during Chuseok.
Moreover, on this day a variety of traditional Korean games and entertainment are held. One of the popular games includes Ganggangsullae, a traditional Korean circle dance that is often performed by women under the full moon. Chuseok is not just a day of abundant food and family gathering, but also a festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of North Korea. This holiday encapsulates a sense of gratitude for their ancestors, pride in their cultural legacy, and the joy of harvest season.