Chuseok (추석), Korea’s harvest festival, is one of the most meaningful holidays of the year. Families gather to honor ancestors, share a feast made from the season’s bounty, and spend time cooking together.
Food is at the heart of the celebration. Dishes like Songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes), jeon (savory pancakes), and namul (seasoned vegetables) fill the table alongside soups, meats, and festive rice cakes. These foods aren’t just for eating—they carry stories of gratitude, family, and tradition.
I grew up making songpyeon with my family during Chuseok, carefully shaping the rice cakes before steaming them over pine needles. That memory stays with me every year when I prepare holiday foods.
In this roundup, you’ll find more than 18 authentic Chuseok recipes, from classic ancestral table dishes to sweet rice cake desserts. Whether you’re preparing a full Chuseok spread or just want to try one traditional recipe, these dishes capture the flavors and spirit of the holiday.
18+ Korean Chuseok Foods
1
Japchae (Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry)
A simple japchae recipe with chewy glass noodles stir-fried with beef and vegetables. Ready in about 35 minutes with reliable results every time.
Korean beef bulgogi made with thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and pear, then cooked hot for a glossy, caramelized finish. Tender, juicy, and full of savory-sweet flavor.
Songpyeon is a Korean rice cake filled with sweet fillings and naturally colored. It's an essential treat for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving celebration. This recipe makes 32 rice cakes.
Make Galbi Jjim at home with Korean short ribs braised in a savory-sweet sauce until fall-off-the-bone tender. A comforting dish for holidays or family dinners.
Wanja-jeon (Korean meat and tofu patties) are pan-fried until golden, tender inside and crisp outside. A holiday favorite at Chuseok, they’re also perfect to make ahead for quick meals or lunchboxes.
Sweet sticky rice cooked with jujube, chestnuts, honey, and soy sauce. This classic Korean dessert turns perfectly chewy in the Instant Pot and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Naturally dairy free and great for Seollal or make-ahead sharing.
Make authentic sikhye at home with barley malt and cooked rice. This lightly sweet Korean rice punch is refreshing, gently fermented, and perfect for holidays or served chilled in summer.
Injeolmi is a chewy, sticky Korean sweet rice cake with a mochi-like texture. This quick microwave recipe lets you enjoy this delicious treat in just 10 minutes.
Easy and quick recipe for Yukjeon, a popular Korean beef pancake (Jeon)! With its melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish is perfect for special occasions and dinner gatherings.
Galbitang (Korean short rib soup) is a comforting Korean beef soup with tender short ribs, Korean radish, and glass noodles (dangmyeon) in a clear, savory broth. Make it the traditional way on the stovetop or a quicker version in the Instant Pot.
A clear and comforting Korean beef radish soup (sogogi muguk) made with thin-sliced beef, sweet Korean radish, and a light umami broth. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a simple, nourishing soup that’s perfect with warm rice.
Sanjeok is Korean beef and rice cake skewers and it's a traditional holiday food in Korea. Strips of beef are marinated with a quick and simple bulgogi sauce and cooked together with rice cakes and green onion.
Nabak kimchi is a mild, refreshing Korean water kimchi made with cabbage, radish, and carrot. With minimal chili flakes and no fish sauce, it’s simple and easy to make!
Crispy Korean mung bean pancakes made with ground mung beans, pork, kimchi, and sprouts. The batter comes together quickly after a short soak, and the pancakes fry up golden and hearty for an easy stovetop meal.
