Why is seaweed soup a Korean birthday tradition?

Miyeokguk, or seaweed soup, is a traditional Korean birthday dish. The custom is linked to its long association with food served to mothers after childbirth.

BIRTHDAY + POSTPARTUM FOOD

Korea.net connects the birthday tradition with the soup’s role in childbirth and postpartum care.

ONE DISH, TWO MEMORIES

A birthday bowl celebrates the person whose birthday it is while also honoring the mother who gave birth to them.

Sources & context

2026-09-18