Why Do Koreans Eat Seaweed Soup on Birthdays? 🥣🇰🇷 Have you ever heard the expression, "너네 엄마가 널 낳고 먹은 미역국이 아깝다"? 😅 It’s a biting Korean insult that means, “Your mom’s effort of giving birth to you—and the seaweed soup she ate afterward—was wasted.” This unique saying reflects the deep cultural importance of 미역국 (seaweed soup) in Korea. 🐳The Origins of Seaweed Soup Long ago(in Goguryeo era), Koreans noticed whales eating seaweed after giving birth. Inspired by nature, they began serving seaweed to new mothers, believing it helped with recovery thanks to its high iron and calcium content. Since then, 미역국 has been a staple for postpartum care. 🍲Birthday Tradition Over time, eating 미역국 on your birthday became a tradition. It’s a way of remembering your mother’s sacrifice on the day you were born. So, every spoonful is a heartfelt tribute to the person who gave you life. Fun Expression: Eating Seaweed Soup? In Korean slang, “eating seaweed soup” (미역국 먹다) can also mean failing a test or an important task. Why? Because seaweed is slippery, just like an opportunity slipping through your fingers. Be careful, or you might end up "eating 미역국!"