Second Day of Chuseok

What Is Second Day of Chuseok?

The Second Day of Chuseok is the final day of the official three-day Chuseok holiday period in South Korea. It typically marks a time for concluding family visits and ancestral rituals, and for many, it is dedicated to travelling back to their usual residences after visiting their ancestral homes. This day reinforces the familial and ancestral reverence central to the entire Chuseok observation.

As a public holiday, it ensures that people have sufficient time for their journey, which can often be extensive due to the large-scale movement across the country. It acts as a buffer day, allowing for relaxed departures and continued engagement with festive activities. The emphasis remains on family cohesion and cultural tradition.

History and Origins of Second Day of Chuseok

The origins of the Second Day of Chuseok are directly tied to the ancient agricultural roots of Chuseok itself, a harvest festival dating back to early agrarian societies in Korea. Historically, Chuseok (Hangawi) was a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, involving elaborate ancestral rites and community celebrations. The process of preparing for these rites, travelling to ancestral homes, and participating in the ceremonies often required more than a single day.

Over centuries, as Korean society developed, the need for an extended holiday period became evident. The multi-day observation, which now includes Chuseok Eve, the main Chuseok day, and the Second Day of Chuseok, accommodates the complex logistical and ceremonial requirements. This extension formally allows for sufficient travel time, preparation for ancestral rituals, the conduct of the rituals, and time for families to return home without haste. The Second Day, in particular, became crucial for managing the reverse migration flow of people returning to urban centres from rural ancestral towns.

How Second Day of Chuseok Is Celebrated

Celebrations on the Second Day of Chuseok are often a continuation of the previous day’s activities, though they gradually shift towards concluding the holiday period. Many families may still participate in charye, the ancestral memorial rites, if they were unable to complete them on the main Chuseok day. These rites involve offering newly harvested rice, fruits, and other foods to ancestors.

A significant aspect of this day involves the journey back home for many individuals and families who travelled to their hometowns or ancestral villages. Traffic congestion on major roads can be substantial as people return to urban areas. Despite the travel, the day may still feature shared meals, including leftover songpyeon (half-moon shaped rice cakes) and other festive foods. Some families might use the day for more relaxed family time, enjoying traditional games or simply resting.

When Is Second Day of Chuseok?

The Second Day of Chuseok consistently falls on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month. As it is determined by the lunisolar calendar, its corresponding date on the Gregorian calendar varies each year. It always occurs immediately after the main Chuseok day, which is the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

For instance, if the main Chuseok day falls on a Wednesday, the Second Day of Chuseok would be on a Thursday, extending the public holiday period. The government of South Korea officially designates this day as a public holiday to facilitate nationwide travel and allow for a comprehensive observance of the Chuseok traditions.

Second Day of Chuseok Key Facts