A Heartfelt Samshin-sang: Praying for Your Baby’s Fortune and Longevity
100th Day / First Birthday: Traditional Samshin-sang to Wish for a Baby’s Fortune and Long Life (with Root Vegetables)
For a baby’s 100th day or first birthday, it’s a cherished tradition to express gratitude to the Samshin (three deities) who blessed you with your child and to pray for their good fortune and long life. When I first started preparing the Samshin-sang, I found the various customs a bit overwhelming. This recipe introduces our family’s approach to the Samshin-sang, designed to preserve the important meanings while prioritizing convenience for busy mothers. Prepare it with love to bless your baby’s future.
Seaweed Soup (Miyeokguk)- 10g dried segmented seaweed
- 1.5L water (500ml for soaking, 1L for boiling)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Bellflower Root Namul (Doraji Namul)- 150g prepared bellflower root
- 120ml water (for cooking)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Fernbrake Namul (Gosari Namul)- 200g blanched fernbrake, drained
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Spinach Namul (Sigeumchi Namul)- 120g spinach
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3/4 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Purified Water (Jeonghwashu)- 750ml clean water
Rice Bowl- 3 servings of freshly cooked rice
- 150g prepared bellflower root
- 120ml water (for cooking)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Fernbrake Namul (Gosari Namul)- 200g blanched fernbrake, drained
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Spinach Namul (Sigeumchi Namul)- 120g spinach
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3/4 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Purified Water (Jeonghwashu)- 750ml clean water
Rice Bowl- 3 servings of freshly cooked rice
- 120g spinach
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3/4 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
Purified Water (Jeonghwashu)- 750ml clean water
Rice Bowl- 3 servings of freshly cooked rice
- 3 servings of freshly cooked rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
[Seaweed Soup – Step 1] In a bowl, combine 10g of dried segmented seaweed with 500ml of lukewarm water. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes until fully rehydrated. Drain the soaked seaweed and gently squeeze out excess water. You can cut it into bite-sized pieces if desired. 
Step 2
[Seaweed Soup – Step 2] Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the soaked seaweed and stir-fry for a minute until fragrant. Pour in 1L of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer briefly. Season with 3 Tbsp of soy sauce (soup soy sauce) to taste. Your delicious seaweed soup is ready. 
Step 3
[Bellflower Root Namul] Rinse the 150g of prepared bellflower root thoroughly and drain. Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat and add the bellflower root. Stir-fry until it becomes slightly translucent. Gradually add 120ml of water while cooking, allowing the bellflower root to become tender and fully cooked. Finally, season with 3/4 Tbsp of soy sauce (soup soy sauce). 
Step 4
[Fernbrake Namul] Rinse the 200g of blanched fernbrake and drain well. Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the fernbrake and stir-fry. Once it’s softened, add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce (soup soy sauce) and continue to stir-fry, allowing the flavors to meld and create a nutty aroma. 
Step 5
[Spinach Namul – Step 1] Trim the roots of the 120g of spinach and remove any yellowed leaves. Wash the spinach thoroughly under running water. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the prepared spinach. Blanch for about 30-60 seconds, starting with the root ends, until it wilts. 
Step 6
[Spinach Namul – Step 2] Immediately rinse the blanched spinach in cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands. Place the spinach in a bowl, add 3/4 Tbsp of soy sauce (soup soy sauce) and 1 tsp of sesame oil. Gently toss to combine, creating a flavorful and tender spinach namul. 
Step 7
[Prepare Purified Water] For the purified water, bring 750ml of clean water to a boil, then let it cool completely. This purified water is essential for the offering. 
Step 8
[Setting the Samshin-sang] Arrange 3 servings of freshly cooked rice in a rice bowl. Pour the prepared seaweed soup and purified water into separate small bowls. Place the three types of namul in pretty dishes. Set up the table reverently as shown in the picture, following the traditional layout for the Samshin-sang. Prepare this offering with all your heart, wishing your baby a healthy and long life. 
