[2] To prepare, the seaweed is rehydrated, drained, chopped, sauteed with garlic and sesame oil, then simmered in beef or fish stock.

[4][5] Traditionally the soup symbolizes and honors Samsin Halmoni, a goddess who helps women through pregnancy and childbirth.

As part of birthday celebrations, guests are served miyeok-guk along with rice cakes and other traditional foods.

[citation needed] A dictionary published by the Hangeul Society in 1957 notes that "Eating Miyeok-guk" was defined as "a word that means an organization dissolves or falls apart."

This is believed to have originated from the fact that when the Joseon Army was disbanded, it could not express it directly, instead stating "I ate Miyeok-guk.