1. Introduction to the text
Chuseok, also known as the Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated traditional festivals in Korea. It is a harvest festival that has been observed for centuries, dating back to ancient times when agriculture formed the backbone of Korean society. Chuseok is a time for families to gather, pay respects to ancestors, and enjoy the bountiful harvests of the year.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 추석 | Chuseok | Harvest Festival |
| 송편 | Songpyeon | Rice cake stuffed with sweet fillings |
| 차례 | Charye | Ancestral memorial service |
| 추수 | Chusu | Harvest |
| 가족 | Gajok | Family |
| 전통 | Jontong | Tradition |
| 문화 | Munhwa | Culture |
| 고향 | Gohyang | Hometown |
| 제사 | Jesa | Ancestral rite |
| 한가위 | Hangawi | Another name for Chuseok |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
추석은 한국의 가장 중요한 명절 중 하나입니다.
Chuseok is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea.
이 명절은 가족이 함께 모여 조상들에게 감사를 표하고 그 해의 풍작을 기념하는 날입니다.
This holiday is a time when families gather together to express gratitude to their ancestors and celebrate the year’s bountiful harvest.
추석 날에는 전통 음식인 송편을 만들어 먹고, 고향을 방문하여 가족들과 시간을 보냅니다.
On Chuseok day, people make and eat traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes), visit their hometowns, and spend time with family members.
가족들은 함께 모여 차례를 지내며 조상들의 은혜에 감사를 표합니다.
Families gather together to perform the charye, a memorial service to express gratitude to their ancestors.
추석은 한국의 농경 문화와 밀접한 관련이 있으며, 수확의 기쁨과 가족 간의 단합을 상징합니다.
Chuseok is closely tied to Korea’s agricultural culture and symbolizes the joy of harvest and family unity.
한국인들은 추석 연휴 기간 동안 고향을 방문하여 가족들과 시간을 보내며 전통 문화를 즐깁니다.
During the Chuseok holiday period, Koreans visit their hometowns, spend time with family members, and enjoy traditional cultural activities.
추석 날에는 전통 의상인 한복을 입고 제사를 지내며, 가족 모임과 친구들과의 만남이 이루어집니다.
On Chuseok day, people wear traditional Korean hanbok clothing, perform ancestral rites, gather with family members, and meet with friends.
한국인들은 추석을 통해 전통 문화를 계승하고 가족 간의 유대감을 강화합니다.
Koreans use Chuseok as an opportunity to preserve traditional culture and strengthen family bonds.
추석은 한국인들에게 있어 가장 중요한 명절 중 하나로, 가족과 함께하는 시간을 통해 행복과 평화를 기립니다.
Chuseok is one of the most important holidays for Koreans, celebrating happiness and peace through time spent with family members.
이 명절은 한국 문화와 전통의 핵심적인 부분이며, 세대를 거쳐 계속되어 왔습니다.
This holiday is a core part of Korean culture and tradition, and it has been passed down through generations.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What is the main purpose of Chuseok?
2. Describe some of the traditional activities and foods associated with Chuseok.
3. Why is Chuseok closely tied to Korea’s agricultural culture?
4. How do Koreans use Chuseok to strengthen family bonds and preserve traditions?
5. Explain the historical significance and cultural importance of Chuseok in Korean society.
5. Cultural and historical notes
Chuseok has its roots in ancient Korean agrarian societies, where celebrations were held to honor the bountiful harvests and express gratitude to ancestors and deities. The festival’s name, Chuseok, literally means “autumn evening,” referring to the time of year when the harvest is complete and the full moon is bright.