SEOUL, South Korea — Members of the Gangbuk 2nd Ward of the Seoul East Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered on September 12 for a Chuseok-themed food festival centered on traditional Korean food, games and fellowship.
The event, held in the Gangbuk Ward cultural hall, brought together Primary children, young men and young women, elders quorum members and Relief Society members. Organizers planned the activity ahead of Chuseok to give members of different generations an opportunity to prepare traditional holiday food together and strengthen friendships.
The celebration began with members making songpyeon, traditional half-moon-shaped rice cakes commonly associated with Chuseok. Participants prepared the rice cakes with sesame and bean fillings, while children and youth joined their parents in shaping their own songpyeon and experiencing Korean holiday traditions firsthand.
Newly married couples also helped prepare a variety of jeon, or Korean pan-fried dishes, including meat patties, stuffed peppers, perilla leaf jeon and three-color jeon. The food preparation helped create the atmosphere of a traditional Korean holiday gathering.
After the cooking was completed, members divided into teams for a life-sized version of yutnori, a traditional Korean board game in which participants themselves acted as the game pieces. Children and adults played together, cheering for one another and sharing laughs regardless of which team won.
The group later gathered for a Chuseok dinner featuring the songpyeon and freshly prepared jeon, along with spicy stir-fried pork and fresh kimchi salad. Organizers said bringing the dishes prepared by different groups together at one table reflected the event’s emphasis on sharing and unity.
Relief Society President Sister Lee Yeon-hee, who helped organize the activity, said the event was planned in hopes that members could experience a sense of the traditional holiday atmosphere that has gradually become less common and use the occasion to strengthen love and friendship.
She also expressed hope that children and youth would gain a sense of accomplishment by making and eating their own songpyeon with their parents while experiencing the spirit of a traditional Korean holiday.
Bishop Kim Joo-yoon said gathering with fellow Church members to make songpyeon, prepare jeon and play yutnori helped participants feel the warmth of the holiday season.
He added that laughing and participating in the activities together helped members feel closer, “like one family,” and gave them an opportunity to express gratitude for the Lord’s love and abundant blessings.
The festival gave members of all ages an opportunity not only to prepare traditional Chuseok food but also to experience Korean holiday customs together. Through shared meals, traditional games and time spent with one another, members of the Gangbuk 2nd Ward welcomed the Chuseok season with a stronger sense of friendship, family and community.
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