[The Editors' Verdict] Let Us Rekindle the Flame of Warmth Amid a Dry Chuseok

Gift Sets Worth Tens of Millions Selling Out
Support for Social Welfare Facilities Plummets
Hoping for the Warmth of Solidarity to Continue

Kwangho Lee, Head of Distribution Economy Department

The Chuseok holiday, the biggest traditional festival of the Korean people, is approaching. Chuseok is a day to honor the blessings of ancestors through offerings of songpyeon made from newly harvested grains, traditional liquor, and fresh fruits after finishing the year's farming. Moreover, it is a holiday where villagers gather to enjoy various games such as Ganggangsullae and tug-of-war, celebrating the abundant harvest. It is especially a precious time for sharing and caring for neighbors.

However, this year, the hearts of those preparing for Chuseok are heavy. Although it is the most generous and prosperous time of the year, worsening job conditions and stagnant incomes, combined with a sharp rise in Chuseok prices, are putting pressure on household finances.

The economic situation is also affecting the Chuseok market. According to the recent ‘August Employment Trends’ released by Statistics Korea, the number of unemployed people last month fell to the 500,000 range for the first time since statistics began, and the unemployment rate recorded 2.0%, the lowest since June 1999 when the job-seeking period related to unemployment was changed from 1 week to 4 weeks. Youth unemployment is particularly serious. During the same period, the number of young people enrolled in employment insurance has decreased for 12 consecutive months, indicating that the cold wave in the youth job market has not subsided. Additionally, there are cases where graduates cannot repay their student loans on time even after finding employment.

Chuseok grocery prices are also problematic. Due to abnormal weather conditions in spring and summer, including heavy rains, heatwaves, and typhoons, agricultural production has been poor, causing prices to skyrocket. According to a price survey by Korea Price Information, the cost of a Chuseok ancestral rite table for a family of four in traditional markets in the metropolitan area is expected to rise about 3% from last year to 309,000 won, while in large supermarkets it is projected to increase by 2% to 403,280 won during this Chuseok period.

As a result, the generous spirit of looking out for neighbors has significantly diminished. According to the Community Chest of Korea, this year’s early Chuseok has shortened the donation period and reduced the number of helping hands. On the other hand, there are reports that gift sets worth millions to tens of millions of won are selling like hotcakes in department stores, marts, and convenience stores, with reservation sales of gift sets reaching record highs, while visits to social welfare facilities remain sparse.

This contradictory situation reflects current socio-economic difficulties and income disparities. True Chuseok is about sharing small kindnesses with marginalized neighbors. We must look around to see if there are neighbors who cannot even enjoy a single songpyeon, or elderly people who receive no visitors, and extend helping hands to support them.

In difficult times, the kindness of the world is crucial. Our people have always shared hardships together and known how to share even a small piece of bean. We hope this Chuseok holiday will be one of practicing sharing and exchanging hearts with neighbors burdened by the weight of life. Such sentiments will make our society warmer and full of solidarity.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.