Why Korean holidays feel different in the Bay Area
In Korea, Chuseok and Seollal are national holidays. Offices close, traffic snarls as everyone travels to ancestral homes, the whole country reorganizes around family gathering.
In the Bay Area, Korean holidays happen against the rhythm of an American work week. Korean-American families adapt: weekend gatherings instead of the actual lunar date, simplified ceremonies, fewer travel days. The intention remains; the logistics change.
Chuseok (late September to early October)
The Korean Cultural Center of San Francisco typically holds a Chuseok event with food, music, and traditional games. Open to the public. The event is usually on the weekend closest to the actual Chuseok date.
Korean churches across the Peninsula and South Bay hold their own Chuseok services and meals. Some are members-only; others welcome guests. Ask in advance.
Families typically gather at home for simplified charye (ancestral ceremony) and a full meal. See what is Chuseok.
Seollal (late January to mid-February)
Korean Center San Francisco holds a Seollal event most years, with the sebae bow demonstration, tteokguk (rice cake soup), and yutnori games. Open to the public.
Many Korean churches host Seollal meals on the closest Sunday. Korean schools (Saturday-morning Korean schools for kids) often have a Seollal-themed week.
Families gather for tteokguk and sebae. See what is Seollal.
Buddha’s Birthday (spring)
Korean Buddhist temples in the Bay Area (Sambosa in Carmel, Mu Sang Sa in Berkeley) hold Buddha’s Birthday celebrations with lantern processions, vegetarian meals, and traditional ceremony. The Bay Area Korean Buddhist community is smaller than the Christian one but visible.
Other recognized days
Hangeul Day (October 9): celebration of the Korean alphabet’s creation. Small academic and language-focused events.
Liberation Day (August 15): commemoration of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule. Recognized at Korean churches and community organizations.
Children’s Day (May 5): Korean children’s holiday. Family-focused; less public programming.
Where to find traditional food
Songpyeon (Chuseok rice cakes) at Korean bakeries in Daly City and Santa Clara starting two weeks before Chuseok. Tteokguk (Seollal soup) ingredients at H Mart year-round; ready-made tteokguk at Korean restaurants starting in January.
For full Chuseok or Seollal table preparation, H Mart locations stock everything you need. See how to make japchae for a holiday-table staple.
How to participate as a non-Korean
Public events at the Korean Center are open. Korean churches are usually welcoming to guests; call ahead. Cultural events at the Asian Art Museum and city library branches occasionally feature Korean holidays.
Wearing hanbok as a non-Korean guest at a public Korean holiday event is encouraged. See is it appropriate for non-Koreans to wear hanbok.
Planning holiday hanbok
Order at least 4 weeks before the holiday. Chuseok orders peak in August; Seollal orders peak in November and December. See current holiday hanbok.
Talk to Eric
Looking for hanbok for Korean holidays in the Bay Area? Eric at The Korean In Me sources authentic hanbok personally from Seoul, inspects every piece in San Mateo, and works with each customer on sizing and color. Contact Eric to inquire →