The love of soup runs deep in Korean culture. There are endless varieties of soup, from hot to cold, that have been made over hundreds of years as a soothing meal used to warm bellies and treat colds. Soup is also a vital meal served during many Korean celebrations and milestones. Soups and stews were easy to create using what was available. They required fewer ingredients, making them a staple at mealtime for hundreds of years. These soups are rooted in tradition and signify a major celebration or milestone in one's life.
Tteokguk – This soup is a traditional rice cake soup served in clear broth. This special soup is served on Seollal (Korean New Year's Day), the first day of the lunar new year, and one of the most popular holidays in Korea. In Korea, age is measured a little differently than in the rest of the world. On Seollal, everyone ages one year, and the process would not be complete until you enjoyed a bowl of Tteokguk. The clear broth symbolizes a fresh start, and the rice cakes symbolize prosperity. While Koreans always enjoy a bowl of Tteokguk on Seollal, it can be enjoyed year-round.
Miyeok-Guk – Korean seaweed soup is a light, nutritious meal with many nutritious ingredients and is believed to be a soup meant to nourish the body. Miyeok-Guk is a soup that is served on birthdays and is commonly known as birthday soup. It's a soup that is also served after a woman has given birth, as it is believed to help aid in the recovery and boost breast milk production. This tradition has been around throughout history and continues today.
Galbitang – This hearty, nourishing soup is made with short beef ribs simmered in a clear broth with aromatic vegetables, including radishes, green onions, garlic, and more. This long simmer produces a tender beef rib with a rich, savory flavor. Beef short ribs are an expensive cut of meat and are often reserved for special occasions and were once served at wedding feasts. Nowadays, most weddings opt for buffet style, but some like to keep the tradition and continue the tradition.
Janchi Guksu – Janchi guksu translates to banquet noodles and is a delicious noodle soup and another traditional soup reserved for special occasions. The long noodles signified longevity, so it was often served at weddings to well-wishing the newlyweds a long and happy marriage. It could also be served at birthdays to wish for a long life.
In Korean culture, a meal during holidays, special celebrations, and milestones are not complete without a bowl of soup. The Netflix documentary "A Nation of Broth" explores the importance of soup and dives deep into Korean soup culture and the importance of the dish in Korean cuisine.