Chuseok goes virtual as S Koreans give up traditional reunions

South Koreans will give up some of their most cherished traditions as they celebrate Chuseok, the country’s biggest holiday, as the coronavirus forces people to reconsider plans to return to their hometowns, and change the way they honour their ancestors. Authorities have urged people to avoid travel and follow physical-distancing guidelines during the five-day break, which starts on Wednesday. Millions usually visit their hometowns during the autumn holiday and the government is concerned mass travel will risk spreading the virus. “We’d like to ask everyone to build family bonds and say hello to each other in a non-contact manner during this year’s Chuseok for the safety of your families and all of us,” Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said at a recent virus briefing. “We can have video calls with each other or use video conferencing for family gatherings.” The country reported 113 new cases on Wednesday – the first time the number has been in triple digits for five days – following a resurgence of cases in the Seoul area that began in mid-August, and forced physical distancing and other measures to be strengthened. style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;">