"Ganggangsullae was a military strategy by Admiral Yi Sun-sin?" Discover the fascinating origins and historical stories of Chuseok that you never knew. Uncover the wisdom and lives of our ancestors hidden beneath the bountiful Hangawi full moon.

When the great national holiday Chuseok approaches, we often think of the cheerful sight of Ganggangsullae, dancing hand in hand in a circle under the round full moon. But have you ever heard that this was not just a simple game, but began as a brilliant strategy that saved the nation? I was surprised myself when I looked into it. Today, I'll share the deep and interesting historical stories hidden within the Chuseok customs we've always enjoyed. 😊


 

Into Ancient History: When Did Chuseok Begin? 📜

Chuseok, also known as Hangawi, is a very old holiday. Among our historical records, its origin is detailed in Kim Bu-sik's 『Samguk Sagi』 (History of the Three Kingdoms), telling a story from the time of King Yuri of Silla.



At that time, the king divided the capital's six clans into two teams, and two princesses led the women of each team in a month-long weaving competition. Finally, on the 15th day of the 8th month, a winner was declared, and the losing team treated the winners to food. They all enjoyed songs, dances, and all sorts of games, which was called 'Gabae (嘉俳)'. This is essentially the prototype of today's Chuseok.

💡 What Does 'Hangawi' Mean?
The 'gawi' in 'Hangawi' is an Idu expression derived from the Silla-era term 'Gabae'. It originates from the pure Korean word 'Gaᄫᆡ,' which means 'the middle day'. It literally means 'the great day in the middle of autumn.'

 

Ganggangsullae! Admiral Yi Sun-sin Created It? 😲

Ganggangsullae, performed under the Chuseok full moon, was not just a simple folk game. A story has been passed down that it contains the incredible ingenuity of Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War.


This is said to have happened around the Jeolla Usuyeong area in Haenam, particularly during the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597. At that time, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who was at an absolute numerical disadvantage, displayed his brilliance.


📝 A Military Tactic Disguised as a Game

Admiral Yi Sun-sin gathered nearby women and had them dress in men's clothing—military uniforms. He then had them circle a mountain peak all night in groups of several dozen. The Japanese enemies, seeing this from afar, thought that tens of thousands of Joseon troops were ambushing them from the mountain, and they dared not attempt to land.

In fact, the name 'Ganggangsullae (强羌水越來)' itself is said to mean 'Strong barbarians are crossing the water,' which lends considerable weight to the theory that it originated from a military purpose.

 

The Meaning of Chuseok, Kept Even During War 🍚

During the Imjin War, when Admiral Yi Sun-sin was active, how did ordinary people spend Chuseok? A vivid picture is painted in 『Swaemirok』, the refugee diary of the mid-Joseon scholar Oh Huimun.


Though he couldn't prepare a proper table while fleeing during the war, Oh Huimun tried his best to hold ancestral rites (*charye*). It is recorded that on Chuseok of 1596, he climbed a mountain in the pouring rain, wearing a grass hat, to perform the rites. The diary also shows him sharing the holiday spirit by exchanging rice cakes and food with neighbors and even holding memorial rites for the household's servants.


📌 Good to Know!
The songpyeon placed on the Chuseok *charye* table holds the strong meaning of a 'Cheonshinrye' (薦新禮), an offering of new things to thank ancestors with the first harvest of the year. That's why, instead of the *tteokguk* (rice cake soup) of Seollal, rice made from the new harvest and songpyeon made with new grains are offered.
💡

Chuseok History Highlights

The Start of Chuseok: Originated from 'Gabae,' a festival after a month-long weaving contest in the Silla Dynasty.
The Meaning of Chuseok: A heart of gratitude for a bountiful harvest and prayers for the next year's abundance.
Origin of Ganggangsullae: A military tactic used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin to deceive the enemy during the Imjin War.
The Spirit of Chuseok: A tradition of thanking ancestors and sharing with neighbors, even amidst the hardships of war.
More than just a holiday, it is our precious culture filled with history and wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q. Where did the word 'Hangawi' come from?
A: It originated from the Silla Dynasty holiday 'Gabae (嘉俳)'. 'Gabae' is a pure Korean word meaning 'the middle day,' and it carries the meaning of 'the great day in the middle of autumn'.
Q. Did Admiral Yi Sun-sin really create Ganggangsullae?
A: Yes, that is what has been passed down through historical records and oral tradition. It is widely accepted that it originated from a military strategy to deceive Japanese forces during the Battle of Myeongnyang by making women look like soldiers.
Q. Why is songpyeon served instead of tteokguk for Chuseok charye?
A: Because Chuseok is the harvest season, it carries a strong sense of gratitude for presenting the 'first grains' of the year to the ancestors. Therefore, it is traditional to offer rice made from the new harvest and songpyeon filled with new grains.

Looking at it this way, don't you think every scene of Chuseok we enjoy is filled with deep history and the wisdom of our ancestors? This Chuseok, how about sharing these interesting stories with your family while enjoying delicious songpyeon? It will surely make for a more abundant and meaningful holiday. Please leave any questions in the comments! 😊