dailies-editorials (1) (EDITORIAL from the Korea Herald on Sept. 13)

The three-day Chuseok holiday period starts today. Koreans traditionally celebrate Chuseok, or full-moon harvest day, with relatives who gather at their hometowns for family reunions.

While mass exodus from Seoul is expected to start this morning as millions head
homeward, the number of people traveling to their hometowns to celebrate Chuseok
is expected to be smaller than in previous years.

One of the reasons is that this year's Chuseok holiday period falls on the
weekend, giving city workers just three days to travel to their hometowns and
return to work. Many who have chosen to stay at home this Chuseok say that the
short holiday period makes it too tiring to travel -- the highways are expected
to be congested throughout the holiday and traveling to Busan from Seoul by car
may take more than 10 hours.

Financial constraints are another major reason for staying home. Many workers
find it too expensive to make it to the annual family reunion. High prices have
thinned the pockets of workers who find buying gifts for family members
burdensome this year.

Many people in their 20s and 30s are foregoing Chuseok celebrations with
families. They cite family members' questions about job prospects as one of the
reasons they are staying away from reunions this year.

With the unemployment rate among 15-29 year-old age group standing at 7.1 percent
in August, the youths of this country are saddled with anxieties about their
future at too early an age. It is unfortunate that at a time in their lives when
they should look forward with optimism and enthusiasm, these young people already
know what it is like to not have jobs.

Questions about marriage are stressful for those of marriageable age, so much so
that they would rather skip time with their families than be grilled by folks
back home. At a time when more women are holding jobs and couples are marrying
late -- many for financial reasons -- intrusive questions by well-meaning
relatives can often dishearten young men and women.

For many elderly parents in the countryside whose children have chosen not to
come home for family reunions, this Chuseok will be a desolate one. Chuseok is
not about giving gifts and preparing lavish feasts. It is a time for families to
celebrate the blessings of the year -- which should not be limited to material
blessings.

It is unfortunate that many will forego the joy of spending time with their loved
ones this year for financial reasons. It is hoped that during next Chuseok, many
more can make the trip back to their hometowns and join their families in
celebrating the bounties of the year.