South Korean Chuseok holiday cultural trends

South Korean media and society are reflecting evolving trends during the Chuseok holiday. Broadcasters have prepared diverse special programming, including KBS’s three-part celebration of singer Lee Seung-chul’s 40th anniversary, SBS’s magic concert, and ENA’s AI-integrated variety program.

Simultaneously, cultural practices are shifting as families increasingly prioritize simple gatherings over traditional ancestral rites (Charye) and grave visitation (Seongmyo). Recent data from the Korea Rural Economic Institute shows a significant decline in ritual observance, with those planning to perform Charye dropping to 27.3% from 40.4% the previous year.

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 or visiting graves, a figure that matches the 43% who intend to perform both. This shift is also reflected in individual household choices; for example, broadcaster Kim Dae-ho noted that his family has abolished formal rites in favor of simple meals such as meat and sashimi. Experts suggest the holiday's focus is moving away from strict etiquette toward family harmony and rest.