Korean Seaweed Soup (Miyuk Guk)

Korean seaweed soup (miyuk guk) is known as the birthday soup. That's because it's traditionally given to new mothers as they're recovering from childbirth. Many Koreans eat the soup during pregnancy, too, since it's regarded as good for both mother and unborn baby.

In another Korean tradition, those celebrating a birthday also eat miyuk guk, in this case with rice cakes. As birthday food, Korean seaweed soup honors the birthday person's mother and the sacrifices she made.

However, Korean seaweed soup isn't just for birthdays. It's actually a common soup in Korean households, and it's not unusual to see it on the menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any time of year. It's also one of the few Korean soups that isn't spicy at all, so it's perfect for someone who enjoys Korean cuisine but who doesn't react well to fiery hot dishes.

Korean seaweed soup uses a different type of seaweed than sushi rolls and kimbap, which use roasted sushi sheets. The seaweed in this soup is tangled dried brown seaweed known as miyuk or sea mustard. Once you find the right seaweed, the other ingredients are ones you probably have in your pantry.

This is a light soup that's good for any meal of the day. Serve it with steamed rice.