On September 26, the Korean national holiday Chuseok was widely celebrated at the Palace of Korean Culture and Art in Tashkent. The event was organized by the Association of Korean Cultural Centers of Uzbekistan. Chuseok symbolizes harvest, family, and respect for elders, and is one of the most important holidays for Korean people.

Over the past thirty years, this holiday has grown into a major citywide event. Former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uzbekistan (1997–2000) Che Yong Ha recalled that Chuseok used to be celebrated more modestly — in a narrow circle at the “Korean House.” According to him, today the holiday has become a significant cultural event not only for the Korean diaspora but for all residents of Tashkent.

“I believe such events serve to further unite our Korean community, strengthen its identity and solidarity. In Korea itself, Chuseok is usually celebrated at home, with family; such mass public festivals are not held there. But here, in the countries of the region, I see our Koryo-saram gathering together to preserve unity and pass culture from generation to generation,” he said.

Guests had the opportunity to try their hand at various national folk games. One woman watching her granddaughter play konginori noted that in her childhood there were no special chips like today, and they played with ordinary small stones, similar to the Uzbek national game beshtosh. A long queue formed at the table where volunteers were making dalgona — a sweet hard candy. Guests were not only given the treat but also taught how to cut shapes from it using molds. According to volunteers, this can easily be replicated at home. At a nearby master class, participants learned the secrets of rolling kimbap.

At the food court, local eateries presented street foods currently popular in Korea: punoppang, cheese medallions, corn dogs, tteokbokki, ramyeon, and trendy desserts. By the pond with gazebos, there was an opportunity to rent a hanbok — traditional Korean attire — and take photos against the water. At the nearby fair, Korean snacks and cosmetics were sold.

Source: www.gazeta.uz