Seaweed soup, miyeokguk, is a dish that Koreans expect on their special day. But Why? To Koreans, miyeokguk is more than just a meal; it represents family traditions and gratitude.

Origins of Seaweed Soup

The tradition of eating seaweed soup on birthdays has roots that involve honoring mothers and the act of birth. Historically, Koreans noticed that whales would eat seaweed after giving birth, to heal and recover their strength. 

This tradition is also spiritual, as the soup was dedicated to Samsin Halmoni, the three goddesses of childbirth and destiny in Korean mythology, who assist in safe deliveries and bless newborns. This inspired the tradition of mothers dedicating miyeokguk to the goddesses in gratitude for protection during labor and to pray for their child’s health and future. 

Eating seaweed soup on birthdays became a way for people to honor their mother’s sacrifice and protectors of birth. It’s a small but heartwarming act with deep cultural roots, rooted in the tradition of remembering beginnings and paying respect to mothers. 

Tradition and Craft of Miyeokguk

Preparing Miyeokguk is a simple labor of love with recipes passed down from each generation. The process of rinsing and draining the miyeok, simmering it with water, mixing in garlic, fish sauce, and sesame oil will create the rich and nourishing Miyeokguk! Each individual and/or family adds their own personal touch, some will include beef, fresh oysters, or rice cakes for added texture and flavor. It is also enjoyed with sides like kimchi and a bowl of rice, making it a more comforting and deeply cultural dish for those having it on their birthday.

Benefits of Seaweed, Nutrition, and Postpartum Healing

Miyeok isn’t just symbolic, it’s also packed with health benefits that explain why it became important for postpartum care and birthdays

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in Minerals: High in iron, potassium, iodine, and calcium. All are essential for supporting overall health

• Vitamins: It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K

• Low Calorie, High-Fiber: Good for digestion and promotes gut health

• Source of protein and omega-3: Improve brain and heart health

Postpartum Benefits:

• Restores Iron & Iodine: helps fight postpartum anemia & a healthy thyroid for baby’s brain development (when passed through breast milk)

• Supports lactation: Believed to promote a healthy and stable milk production

• Source of calcium: maintain good bone health during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Eating seaweed soup on your birthday is one of Korea’s most meaningful traditions. It’s a living tradition that carries layers of gratitude, memory, and respect. It’s a reminder of one’s journey into the world, a mother’s care and sacrifice, and the blessings wished upon newborns by Samsin Halmoni.

So next time you see someone slurping a bowl of miyeokguk on their birthday, know that it’s more than just a soup. It’s a bond that ties families and generations together and a celebration of life itself.