Korean Seaweed Soup (Miyuk Gook)

What is so special about this soup?  Besides yummy and mouthwatering, do you know what is the significant of this soup?

The children had an opportunity to explore Korean local delight in one of their cultural lesson. The Korean Seaweed Soup also known as Miyuk Gook (birthday soup), is one of the most significant dish. In the olden days, pregnant women would eat Miyuk Gook for about a month prior to giving birth and also after birth. This tradition is still prevalent today, but not as widespread as it once was.

The birthday culture for Korean on the other hand signifies a way to remind children not to forget the pain of childbirth and to appreciate the care given them by their mother. When this story was shared in the class, one of the children broke down into tears. It was a mixed feeling with sad and happy tears. Besides gaining understanding of the culture, and discovering the similarity and differences of other children in other country, it was indeed overall a touching short lesson, that touches the heart of the children.