Chubun: The Autumn Equinox in Korean Tradition
- FLip Korea
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
In Korea’s traditional 24 solar terms (절기, jeolgi), each period marks a shift in nature, agriculture, and daily life. Chubun (추분, 秋分), the autumnal equinox, is the 16th solar term and a symbolic turning point of the year. Occurring when day and night are nearly equal, Chubun divides autumn into two halves and signals the slow but steady approach of winter.
In 2025 Chubun (추분, 秋分), the autumnal equinox was celebrated on 23rd September.
Although not a public holiday in Korea today, Chubun has long carried cultural, agricultural, and symbolic importance, influencing royal rituals, farming practices, and even seasonal food traditions.
What Does Chubun Mean?
The name itself explains its significance:
추 (chu) : autumn
분 (bun) : division or separation
Thus, Chubun literally means the “division of autumn”, emphasizing the balance between light and dark. In Seoul, for example, daylight lasts just over 12 hours on this day, before nights begin to grow longer.
Cultural and Historical Significance in Korea
Agricultural Role
For centuries, Chubun guided Korean farmers:
It marked the harvest season for sesame leaves, sweet potatoes, cotton, and chili peppers.
Crops were often sun-dried after Chubun to store food through the colder months.
It was a natural reminder that insects would burrow underground and the air would become crisper, signaling the coming of late autumn.
Joseon Dynasty Rituals
In the Joseon royal court, Chubun was tied to the Noinseongje (노인성제) or “Elder Star Ceremony.” The king prayed for the longevity of the people, reflecting the equinox’s theme of balance and renewal.
Weather on Chubun was also seen as an omen:
A dry wind suggested a good harvest.
Clear skies, oddly, were interpreted as signs of poor yields.
Chubun in Modern Korea
Today, Chubun is not an official holiday but is still widely recognized:
Media outlets mention it when reporting seasonal changes in daylight or weather.
It symbolizes “mid-autumn” in culture, literature, and public consciousness.
Families may not perform specific rituals, but many still embrace seasonal walks, autumn festivals, and food traditions around this time.
Seasonal Foods and Folk Beliefs
One of the most symbolic foods linked to Chubun is Chueo-tang (추어탕, loach soup).
Traditionally, rice paddies were drained after Chubun, making loaches easier to catch.
Chueo-tang was especially valued as a nutritious dish for the elderly during harvest banquets.
Other seasonal foods enjoyed around Chubun include persimmons, chestnuts, and mushrooms, which highlight the richness of autumn in Korea.
Chubun Across East Asia
While rooted in a shared East Asian tradition, the equinox takes on different cultural meanings:
Japan: Shūbun no Hi (秋分の日) is a national holiday, dedicated to honoring ancestors and family graves.
China: Qiūfēn (秋分) is marked in the solar calendar but is not a public holiday, though still important in folk customs.
Korea: Chubun follows the Chinese model, acknowledged as a seasonal marker, but without public holiday status.
Observing Chubun Today in Korea
Even without official ceremonies, you can honor Chubun in Korea with simple seasonal practices:
Observe nature: Enjoy a walk, notice the balance of daylight and darkness.
Harvest & preserve: Dry or prepare seasonal foods like mushrooms, persimmons, and chili peppers.
Cook traditional foods: Try making Chueo-tang or autumn soups.
Reflect & give thanks: Like the Joseon kings, use the day for gratitude and balance.
Chubun (추분, 秋分), Korea’s autumn equinox, may not be a holiday today, but it remains a powerful seasonal marker of balance, transition, and harvest. From Joseon rituals to modern food traditions, Chubun reflects Korea’s deep connection with nature and its rhythms.
As nights grow longer and the air turns cooler, Chubun reminds us to appreciate the fleeting beauty of autumn and prepare for the months ahead.
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