South Korea holiday customs shift toward simplified family gatherings

Traditional Chuseok holiday customs in South Korea are undergoing a significant shift as families move away from formal ancestral rites toward simplified gatherings. Recent surveys indicate a growing trend of prioritizing family time over ritualistic obligations.

A survey by the Sungkyunkwan University Survey Research Center found that 43% of respondents plan to spend the holiday with family and relatives without performing ancestral rites (Charye) or visiting graves (Seongmyo). This matches the 43% who intend to do both. Data from the Korea Rural Economic Institute also showed a decline in those planning to perform Charye, dropping to 27.3% from 40.4% the previous year.

This cultural evolution is reflected in individual households as well. Broadcaster Kim Dae-ho recently highlighted this change by sharing how his family has abolished formal ancestral rites, opting instead for simple meals like meat and sashimi rather than labor-intensive traditional dishes. Experts suggest that the focus of the holiday is shifting from strict adherence to etiquette toward family harmony and rest.