How foreigners in S. Korea spend Chuseok holidays

한국에 사는 외국인들이 추석을 지내는 방법
Most Koreans are busy hitting the road for long travels to hometowns for family get togethers for Chuseok.
But what about foreigners living in the nation?
According to our Shin Ye-eun, they have found different ways to enjoy the country’s biggest holiday.
"While South Koreans are busy traveling across the country to visit their relatives, Chuseok can be a lonely holiday for some 2 million foreigners living in the country.
But here in Seoul, there are many ways foreigners can enjoy the holidays."
Agata, who has lived in Seoul for six years, decided to wear traditional Korean 'hanbok' clothing and visit attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok village.
As a Global Seoul Mate volunteer who helps promote the city, she said the capital is empty around Chuseok making it the perfect time to explore the city.
"All of the Koreans are visiting their family and there are not many tourists these days. So I feel like it's a great opportunity to come to a palace and take pictures with no people at all."
Songpa-gu District held a cooking class to teach people how to make Chuseok delicacies like 'songpyeon', Korean ricecakes.
"I wanted to get a more close approach to Korean culture and food. I wanted to prepare something for my friends also."
Kajiiloni came to Korea this year and said she wanted to spend her first Chuseok sharing the sense of community and festivity.
She volunteered to make 100 care packages to give out to single parents or senior citizens living alone.
"It’s my first time to be a part of Chuseok. I have no idea about it. But coming here and learning about it gives me a feeling of wholeness, togetherness and celebration."
Some who have decided to stay home due to COVID-19, celebrated Chuseok online using a mobile language app called Hilokal.
"Chuseok is sort of an awkward time for foreigners because stores close, a lot of people go see their families, not a lot to do especially because there’s a pandemic. So we thought it would be nice to open up some extra Korean language events."
Through their phones, many foreigners challenged each other to tongue twister matches in Korean, and cheered each other on with the app's emojis, showing that even if they can't meet in person, they can still make the most of the Chuseok holiday.
Shin Ye-eun, Arirang News
#foreigners #Chuseok #hanbok
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2021-09-22 12:00 (KST)