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Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10 am—5 pmLocation: Main Atrium, Create Space Studios
All activities are included with admission.
Presented in English and Korean with live English translation.
The Chuseok Festival celebrates one of Korea’s most important cultural holidays, centered around the harvest, gratitude and family reunions. Explore traditional and contemporary expressions of Korean culture through storytelling, art making and a curator-led tour! This multigenerational celebration also welcomes first-time and returning visitors to PEM’s Korean Art gallery.
PEM Pals: Chuseok Stories with Cori Ahn
10–11 am | Main Atrium, Ground Level
A family-focused storytelling and art-making program introduces younger audiences to Chuseok traditions, with their themes of harvest and family connection. Storyteller Cori Ahn will also show audiences a display of hanbok, Korean traditional clothing.
Large-Scale Hangeul Calligraphy Demonstration with Youngsun Jang and Hannah Jang
1–2 pm | Main Atrium, Ground Level
Experience a live Hangeul calligraphy demonstration that reveals the beauty, structure and expressive qualities of the Korean writing system through large-scale brushwork. The featured phrase, 늘 한가위만 같아라 ("May every day be like Hangawi"), expresses a traditional wish for a life filled with abundance, gratitude and the joy of sharing with others. Inspired by the spirit of Hangawi, the Korean harvest festival, the demonstration highlights the enduring cultural values of generosity, community and ensuring that everyone has enough. Visitors will also have the opportunity to write their own Chuseok messages on small scrolls to take home.
Drop-In Art Making | Korean Culture through Contemporary Fashion and Design with Cori Ahn
11 am–3 pm | Create Space Studios, Ground Level
Teens and adults are invited to explore Korean culture through fashion and visual expression. Storyteller Cori Ahn will also show audiences a display of hanbok, Korean traditional clothing.
Curator-Led Tour: Yu Kil-Chun Gallery of Korean Art and Culture
2–2:45 pm | Korean Art gallery, Level 2
Visit the Korean Art gallery with Curator Jiyeon Kim to see how PEM’s historical Korean works from the 1890s and beyond connect to contemporary Korean popular culture. This tour draws interpretive links between traditional Korean art and modern cultural references.
Chuseok Selfie Station
10 am–4 pm
Snap a selfie to celebrate your day at PEM!
Chuseok Menu in the Atrium Café
10 am–5 pm
Enjoy a seasonal menu of Chuseok-inspired food and drinks highlighting cultural references and Korean harvest traditions.
The Chuseok Festival is supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Boston.
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Event venue
Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St,Salem, Massachusetts, United States
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