The presidential office announced this in a press release on the 16th. This year's Chuseok gift consists of regional specialty products from across the country, reflecting the characteristics of the "five megaregions and three special zones." By bringing together specialties from the five megaregions and three special zones, including traditional liquors representing the Yeongnam and Honam regions, the gift reflects the president's intention to achieve mutual prosperity and unity beyond regional and generational divides and to move toward a Korea where all citizens prosper together.
Specifically, the Chuseok gift includes specialties from five metropolitan regions — red ginseng slices from Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province; chestnut chips from Chungju, North Chungcheong Province; Andong soju from Andong, North Gyeongsang Province; dried shiitake mushrooms from Jangheung County, South Jeolla Province; and jujube chips from Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province — as well as specialties from three special self-governing provinces: Igangju liquor from Jeonju, North Jeolla Province; gondre (Korean thistle) from Jeongseon, Gangwon Province; and bracken from Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
"By including traditional liquors with centuries of history, the gift captures the meaning of the holiday, when people honor their ancestors and wish one another well alongside family and neighbors," the presidential office said. "It also adds to the abundance of the holiday with wild greens and mushrooms that can be used in holiday dishes, along with sweets and snacks the whole family can enjoy."
In a card enclosed with the gift, Lee wrote: "I hope you have a precious Chuseok, sending greetings to those you miss and sharing happiness with those you love," and "Like the moon that lights up everyone's night without any qualification or condition, I will work even harder to shine a bright light on the lives of all citizens."
The Chuseok gifts were sent to key figures from various fields who have worked for national development, war heroes, persons of national merit and socially disadvantaged groups. As was the case last year, bereaved families of industrial accident victims were again included among the recipients.
Lee is also sending Chuseok gifts to former presidents and their spouses. Kim Tae-geun, presidential secretary for local development, will visit the private residences of former presidents and their spouses to deliver the holiday gifts.
