Koreans always have a bowl of seaweed soup on their birthdays.
Here’s why miyeok-guk is a must on this special day!
Quick Summary
- Seaweed soup is what Korean mothers eat after giving birth.
- Over time, this postpartum food turned into something more symbolic, such as honoring your mom.
- Most Koreans eat miyeok-guk first thing in the morning on their birthday.
Seaweed soup might seem like an unusual birthday food, especially if you’re used to desserts and party snacks.
But don’t worry. We do love cake and always make sure to have a few on our birthdays.
We just prefer to start the day with miyeok-guk, then have the cake after the meal.
Whenever I’m overseas, my parents always feel a bit sad that I can’t start my birthday with a warm bowl of seaweed soup.
What Is Miyeok-Guk?
Miyeok-guk is a clear broth made with seaweed (miyeok), often cooked with beef or seafood.
Most Koreans love beef miyeok-guk, but some prefer regional specialties like the sea urchin version you’ll find on Jeju Island.
Seaweed soup is light, savory, and packed with nutrients. It’s so soothing and comforting.
But why seaweed and why on birthdays?
Why Seaweed?
Seaweed soup is what Korean mothers eat after giving birth.
Miyeok-guk has been served to postpartum moms to help them recover and regain strength.
It dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Historical records show that people observed whales eating seaweed to recover after giving birth, which inspired the tradition of serving seaweed to postpartum women.
Seaweed is full of iron, calcium, iodine, and other minerals that help with blood circulation and milk production.
So, for several weeks after giving birth, Korean mothers often eat this soup every single day. Even a boutique postpartum center or joriwon serves this soup day after day.
Over time, this postpartum association turned into something symbolic.
When you eat seaweed soup on your birthday, you’re honoring your mom and the fact that she gave birth to you.
It’s a quiet, edible “thank you” for the pain, effort, and love it took to bring you into the world.
What Does It Mean to Eat Miyeok-Guk?
While birthdays in the West often focus on the person celebrating, Korean birthday culture includes a strong element of gratitude, especially toward parents. (Although we focus on the birthday girl/boy too!)
The seaweed soup is like a reminder that your birthday isn’t just your day. It’s also the anniversary of a day your mom worked incredibly hard.
So, a bowl of miyeok-guk is a gesture of appreciation and family ties, more than just breakfast.
Do Koreans Only Eat Seaweed Soup on Birthdays?
Miyeok-guk isn’t just for birthdays.
It’s actually one of the most common everyday soups in Korea.
If someone’s feeling weak, trying to eat healthy, or just wants something light and nutritious, this soup is often our go-to.
It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients.
All you need is some dried seaweed, cubed beef or clams, a spoonful of toasted sesame oil, and a splash of gukganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)! Garlic is optional, but let’s be honest, most Koreans can’t live without garlic.
But on birthdays, it carries a different weight, especially when your mom makes it.
Even grown adults will get calls from their parents asking, “Did you eat miyeok-guk today?”
When I’m far from home, my mom still makes miyeok-guk on my birthday every year. And when I’m lucky enough to be nearby, she always invites me over for a warm bowl of soup and cake for dessert, of course.
When Is Miyeok-Guk Served on Birthdays?
Most Koreans eat miyeok-guk first thing in the morning on their birthday.
It’s symbolic and you start your personal new year by grounding yourself in tradition and family.
But more than a quiet moment and a thought for your mom, it’s simply delicious. That’s why we like it.
What If You Don’t Like It?
I understand that not everyone is into seaweed.
Some people might find it too slimy, or the taste too ocean-y.
And that’s totally fine. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the seafood versions with mussels or sea urchins. They’re a bit too fishy for me.
I’d recommend trying the beef version with plenty of toasted sesame oil. It’s so savory.
And if you still don’t like it, no worries. Korea has so many other delicious dishes to discover!
When a birthday rolls around in Korea, don’t be surprised if the cake comes after the soup.
A bowl of miyeok-guk is a starter, a celebration of life, health, and most importantly, the person who brought you into the world.
