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Today we celebrated Chusok.  First was a memorial service for Jin's father at their home and then next we moved to her mother-in-law's home for her husband's (Yong Won) father's memorial service.  The service consists of a wide variety of food, Korean alcohol, and incense.  Everything is specifically placed on a special table.  Candles are lit and a prayer is spoken.  Everyone kneels and bows a certain number of times during the ceremony.  The front door is left open so the deceased may enter to partake in the meal that is prepared for them on the table as well.

After both ceremonies, we took a drive into the country on top of a mountain to visit Yong Won's father's grave where another brief ceremony takes place.  The drive was very beautiful and the scenery as wonderful to take in.  We passed by many fruits and vegetable gardens as well as numerous rice fields.

For Yong Won's father

The drive to the country and Yong Won's father's grave

The family dog driving us home, my evil eye, and holiday traffic hell

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What I learned today about Korea:  1)  Besides all the traditional foods prepared for Chusok, different family names have special foods they prepare that is specifically for that particular family name.  For instance, the family name Hwang has a special dried fish they prepare.