Korean Baby's 100th Day & First Birthday Party Guide
In Korean culture, a baby's 100th day (Baekil) and first birthday (Dol) are special milestones celebrated with family and friends. Here's everything you need to know about these meaningful traditions.
The Meaning of Baekil (100th Day)
In the past, when infant mortality rates were high in Korea, surviving 100 days was considered a major milestone. Baekil celebrates the baby's health and wishes for continued good fortune.
Traditional Baekil Table Setting
Essential Items
- Baekseolgi (white rice cake): Symbolizes purity and hopes for a clean life
- Susu patteok (red bean rice cake): Believed to ward off evil spirits
- White rice: Represents a life without hunger
Optional Items
- Fresh fruits (apples, pears, grapes)
- Seaweed soup (miyeokguk)
- Three-colored vegetables (samjeon)
- Modern addition: Cake
Modern Simplification
Today, many families opt for a simpler setup with white rice cake + cake + fruits, or order complete sets from specialty shops.
The Meaning of Dol (First Birthday)
Dol celebrates the baby's first birthday and includes the famous Doljabi ceremony, where the baby chooses objects that are said to predict their future.
Traditional Dol Table Setting
Traditional Foods
- Baekseolgi: Wishes for living to 100 years
- Susu patgyeongdan: Protects against bad luck
- Rainbow rice cake: Represents blessings and fortune
- Fruits: Symbolizes abundance of descendants
- Noodles: Longevity (often skipped in modern celebrations)
Modern Additions
- Dol cake (smash cake)
- Tower cake
- Rice cake cake
- Macarons and cookies
Doljabi: The Fortune-Telling Ceremony
Traditional Items
- Thread: Long life
- Rice: Wealth
- Money: Fortune
- Pencil/Brush: Scholar
- Bow/Sword: Military career (rarely used today)
Modern Items
- Stethoscope: Doctor
- Microphone: Entertainer
- Ball: Athlete
- Computer mouse: IT professional
- Gavel: Lawyer or judge
- Golf ball: Golfer
- Airplane: Pilot
Doljabi Sets
You can easily purchase Doljabi sets online, available in wood, plastic, or fabric materials. Choose baby-safe options in case baby puts them in their mouth.
Party Format Options
1. Simple Home Celebration
- Intimate gathering with close family
- Budget: $300-500
- Pros: Baby is comfortable, affordable
- Cons: Preparation and cleanup work
2. Professional Dol Party Venues
- Hotels, wedding halls, or specialty venues
- Budget: $1,000-3,000+
- Pros: All-inclusive, impressive setup
- Cons: Expensive, need to manage baby's condition
3. Restaurant Rental
- Kids cafes or restaurants
- Budget: $500-1,500
- Pros: Nice atmosphere
- Cons: Venue limitations
4. Studio Photo Session Only
- Professional Dol photos only
- Budget: $300-800
- Pros: Low-pressure, quality photos
- Cons: No party atmosphere
Planning Timeline
2-3 Months Before
- Decide party format
- Book venue or vendors
- Book Dol photo studio
1 Month Before
- Finalize guest list
- Rent or buy Hanbok (traditional dress) or outfits
- Prepare return gifts
1-2 Weeks Before
- Order cake and rice cakes
- Prepare decorations
- Confirm Doljabi set
Day Before
- Check venue
- Final item check
- Ensure baby gets good rest
Budget-Saving Tips
- Weekday events: Venues are cheaper
- Morning time slots: Baby is in better mood too
- Hanbok rental: Cheaper than buying
- DIY decorations: Balloons and garlands yourself
- Friends/family photos: Instead of hiring photographers
- Simple return gifts: Practical items work best
Managing Baby's Condition
- Ensure good nap before the party
- Feed baby so they're not hungry
- Practice wearing new clothes before the day
- Bring backup clothes (in case of spills or accidents)
- Comfortable shoes are OK (sneakers with Hanbok is fine)
- Keep the event short (1-2 hours max)
Final Thoughts
Baekil and Dol are celebrations of your baby's healthy growth. The scale or budget matters less than the time spent together as a family.
Prioritize your baby's comfort, keep it stress-free, and create happy memories that will last a lifetime.