We; as foreigners or visitors to South Korea might think their Thanksgiving Day (Chuseok) of 10 days break is excellent where in fact it is a big pain to some people. People rushed home for the long break of the year and the main city becomes quiet.
In some old fashioned traditional families observing Chuseok are the one causing grief to their daughter in laws. The wives or daughter in law of the big family are responsible for the main event. The ladies are seated in the kitchen or living room either flipping pancakes (jeon), decorating the table with array of food, kneading dough for the rice cakes (songpyeon) and cleaning the mess after it. Surprisingly this matter somehow surfaced out many couples filing for divorce because the ladies do not want to go through those ritual or housework anymore.
The modern new generation families would just buy out ready made prepared meals to make their lives easier. In fact, my Korean friends who are married do not observe such traditions anymore. They are too busy baby sitting and looking after their kids.
Emergency department workers (hospital, police, ambulance, fire dept) are on standby for the long break. And for those working in the airports are no exception. The airport opens 24 hours 365 days without rest. For workers happen to work on shifts during Chuseok season have no choice but to sit out visiting their families and relatives. Well some might feel better off without visiting nosy relatives and been questioned this & that. The more well-off citizens would have left the country to travel abroad during this season. Not forgetting the soldiers and guards protecting the border of the nation from the enemies are working tirelessly during Chuseok.
The worst is those who have graduated and still unemployed/actively looking for jobs will feel the dread during Chuseok as they do not wish to see their relatives or families. They will be hounded by tons of questions. The pressure from their families is constantly bombarding the unemployed. The truth is families in Korea emphasised a lot on career and names. If a member happens to be a public official, government job or a permanent position in a big company, they are considered elite status and it brings glory to the family. They are regarded the brains and the important people of the family.
(Well, you see those scenarios all the time in family Korean dramas)
Most stores are closed on the main Chuseok day and re-opened afterwards with plenty of sale or discounts been offered. Tourist attractions offer vouchers and discounts to encourage visitors visiting the place.
Personally, I haven't had the opportunity to celebrate Chuseok in South Korea but nevertheless I do make the effort to indulge in some rice cakes and moon cakes with my cup of tea for the Mid-Autumn festival. After all, if you can't celebrate with everyone- you can still do it at home.
Happy Chuseok to all! Stay healthy and safe this year!
No comments:
Post a Comment