I learned quickly that Chuseok is a time to visit your family and celebrate what is essentially Korean Thanksgiving. Chuseok differs from Thanksgiving in that it lasts for three days.
Chuseok, like American Thanksgiving, is different for everyone. Some families go on vacation, while others stay at home playing folk games. Furthermore, food is an integral part of celebrating Chuseok. Songpyeon is an example of a traditional Chuseok food, but you can find it all year round. It is a dessert made from rice cake and rice powder that can come in various colors.
Chuseok evolved from the feasts people used to have for celebrating the year's harvest. Today, it is a time for family and reflection.
This tradition is definitely connected to its environment. Besides having origins that are rooted in farming and appreciating the Earth, Chuseok is also a time for family. Koreans travel all over the country, back to their hometowns for three days of quality time with the people they love. For anyone in Korea, even foreigners, Chuseok is a time to reflect, unwind and spend time with people you care about.
