Known as the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok signifies the coming of autumn and is a time to spend with family and loved ones. Seoul offers many events and activities during the Chuseok holiday for both locals and foreigners alike to enjoy. These range from experiencing the traditional side of Korean culture and society, to finding that special someone to spend the upcoming holiday season with.

For those looking to spend the Korean holiday looking for love, “Chicken n’ Chips” bar in Gangnam is hosting an international speed dating event where you can have 20 consecutive 4-minute dates. The event will be held on Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to all nationalities. This event is however limited to 20 men and 20 women, so those who are interested must sign up in advance at the Friends In Korea website (friendsinkorea.com). 

Cultural events

If you are interested in discovering the city’s more traditional side, Gyeongbokgung, Seoul’s largest palace, will have tightrope walking and the Bukcheong Lion Play in front of the Geungjeongjeon (the Throne Hall). The play is based on the traditional belief that the lion was able to rid evil spirits and misfortune, bringing peace to the homes and villages. Other games and activities include arrow tossing, traditional board games, top spinning and shuttlecock kicking.

The Korean Folk Village, located just outside of Seoul in Yongin, is also offering special events for the Chuseok holiday. The Korean Folk Village will offer performances of folk music, traditional seesaws, tightrope dancing, traditional wedding ceremonies and horseback riding. In addition, visitors also have the opportunity make traditional Korean rice cakes, or songpyeon, and play folk games like jump roping and arrow throwing. Other activities include workshops on pottery, fans, musical instruments and embroidery. The folk village also has a street market, where traditional wedding ceremonies, horseback riding and dance performances are held.

The Namsangol Korean Village, located in Chungmuro, will also hold similar special events such as offering visitors the chance to learn how to make Korean traditional masks, rice cakes and decorative fans. There will also be cultural performances of holiday dances, drumming, singing and demonstrations of “ssireum,” Korean folk wrestling.

Family fun

If you’re looking for fun the whole family can enjoy, the country’s largest amusement parks Everland and Lotte World will also hold traditional Korean dance performances and folk games during the holiday period.

Shopping

Although most of the major department stores like Lotte, Shinsegae and Hyundai are typically closed during Chuseok, shops at the COEX mall, Myeong-dong and Namdaemun Market will be open. However, the holiday hours vary by store.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)