Jisun, one of our Operations Officers, is currently on maternity leave and recently gave us the exciting news that she and her husband held a traditional Korean 100 day celebration for her new baby Charlotte. Known as “Baek-il (백일)” in Korean, it is an important and celebrated day in the life of an infant, held on 100th day after the child’s birth.
Long ago in Korea childhood diseases and malnutrition were common and the survival rate for new born babies was very low. To protect their children, parents refrained from taking their baby outdoors until the 100th day after the birth. On the 100th day, the family would traditionally pray and give food offerings to thank the Shaman spirit of childbirth for the child having survived this difficult period.
Offerings of rice and soup are presented in gratitude for having cared for the infant and the mother, and for having helped them live through a difficult period. White rice cakes called baekseolgi and wine also play a huge part in the celebrations. It is believed that if the steamed rice cakes are shared with 100 people, the infant would have a long and healthy life.
The event is still celebrated in modern day Korea as a time of congratulations for the parents and family.
We wish Jisun and her family good health and a happy Baek-il and we look forward to her return to the office!
Related news
La Dolce Vita Diaries
February opened the perfect window for travel, and I decided to tick the next destination off my must-visit list: Rome! In short, Rome stole my heart. The city is like walking through a living museum – every corner reveals ancient ruins and rich history. Walking 30,000 steps a day felt like nothing. The weather, though, wasn’t […]
Match of Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modrić
I recently attended the final match of Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modrić at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. An occasion that will remain etched in my memory. The stadium was at full capacity, with every supporter (opponents included) united in paying tribute to two remarkable individuals who have profoundly shaped the legacy of Real Madrid. From […]
Sun sea and stingray
Matthew Young
Thu 29 May 2025
I recently had the pleasure of holidaying in Faro and Albufeira, two gems of the Algarve in Portugal, and it was nothing short of amazing. A trip to the Algarve wouldn’t be complete without venturing out onto the water. One morning, we joined a boat tour that weaved through hidden sea caves and secluded beaches. […]
