How do they celebrate a birthday in Korea
In Korea, a birthday is more than just blowing candles and eating cake. It’s a special time to reflect, show gratitude, and even get a little silly. While many traditions are becoming more modern, Korea still has unique ways of celebrating. From seaweed soup in the morning to digital gift coupons and special pranks, the Korean experience is like no other. Whether you’re living in Korea or just curious about Korean culture, this guide will help you understand how locals mark their special day.
A Birthday Now Truly Means Turning One Year Older
In the past, Korea had a unique age-counting system. Everyone became one year older on January 1st, regardless of their actual birth date. Also, babies were considered one year old at birth. This meant that depending on when you were born, you could be considered two years older than your international age!
However, this system has officially changed. Since 2023, Korea now follows the international age system for most legal and social purposes. That means a person now gains a year only on their birthday, just like in most countries.
Because of this shift, birthdays have become even more meaningful in Korean society. It’s no longer just a personal celebration, it now marks the official moment someone becomes a year older. This change has helped align Korean culture more closely with the rest of the world, while still keeping its unique traditions alive.
Breakfast with Miyeokguk (Seaweed Soup)
One of the most meaningful Korean birthday traditions is starting the day with miyeokguk, or seaweed soup. This custom comes from the idea of showing gratitude to mothers, who typically eat this soup after giving birth. In fact, after childbirth, Korean mothers often eat miyeokguk for every meal-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-for several days. The soup is packed with nutrients that are believed to help postpartum recovery. If you have a Korean friend, try making miyeokguk for them, they’ll be genuinely surprised and touched.
You don’t even have to be a great cook to make it. Many Korean supermarkets sell easy miyeokguk kits that include dried seaweed and seasoning packs. This simple gesture can turn into a truly memorable experience for someone who grew up with this tradition.
Digital Gifts : Gifticons and Heartfelt Messages
In Korea, friends usually send warm messages via messaging apps like KakaoTalk. These messages often come with “gifticons,” or mobile gift coupons. Gifticons are extremely popular because they’re simple, affordable, and convenient. You can send someone a coffee, a slice of cake, or even a small meal through your phone. Because they’re easy to use and don’t feel too formal, gifticons are now a common gift among Koreans of all ages.
Cakes with a Korean Twist
Of course, like in many countries, no birthday in Korea feels complete without a cake. But Korean cakes are often lighter and less sweet than Western ones. Lately, ice cream cakes from Baskin Robbins have become especially popular. Since they’re frozen, they last longer than regular sponge cakes, and they come in fun, colorful flavors like mint chocolate, strawberry cheesecake, and cookies & cream. While traditional rice cakes (tteok) are still used, they’re more common for a baby (doljanchi) or for elderly family members.
Birthday Pranks: Saeng-il-bbang and Drinks
Not all Korean birthday customs are serious or emotional. Among friends, especially students or young adults, there’s a tradition called saengil bbang (생일빵), which literally means “birthday bread.” But don’t worry, it has nothing to do with baking!
It’s a playful prank where friends give that person light hits on the back or arms, usually followed by laughter. It’s meant to be funny, not painful. In some cases, people even smash a cake into that person’s face, think of it as slapstick humor Korean-style.
And if you’re of legal drinking age? Get ready for special shots! Friends might pour you one too many drinks to celebrate. It’s all in good fun, though sometimes it leads to a bit of regret the next morning.
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