Chuseok, Thanksgiving, and the Nostalgic Flavor of Korean Zucchini Pancakes
Beyond the Recipe: Chuseok, Thanksgiving, and the Warm Nostalgia of Golden Zucchini Pancakes ( Hobak-jeon ) Finding Home Across Cultures No matter where we live in the world, autumn brings a quiet shift in the air. As the leaves turn golden and the harvest comes in, our hearts naturally wander back to our roots—to the smell of home-cooked meals and the laughter of family gathered around a warm table. In the West, this season of gratitude is celebrated with Thanksgiving. In Korea, we celebrate Chuseok (추석) , our autumn harvest festival. Though separated by oceans, the core spirit of these holidays is identical: honoring the earth’s abundance, giving thanks, and sharing food made with love for the people we treasure most. The Humble Star of the Holiday Feast: Hobak-jeon When people think of Korean holiday feasts, elaborate meat and seafood dishes often come to mind. But ask any Korean about their fondest Chuseok memory, and they will likely tell you about standing beside a s...