Why Koreans Celebrate 100 Days: Baby Baek-il and Couple Anniversaries
Koreans celebrate the 100th day for two very different reasons. For babies, baek-il (백일, "100 days") is a family celebration that a newborn has made it safely through the fragile first months of life. For couples, the 100-day anniversary is the first big milestone of a new relationship, usually marked with a date, a small gift or flowers. Both come from the same idea: 100 is a round, meaningful number, and reaching it is worth celebrating.
Baek-il: a baby's 100th day
Why 100 days mattered
In the past, many babies did not survive their first months, so families often waited before celebrating openly. Reaching the 100th day was a sign that the child was strong enough to make it, and it became a moment of relief and gratitude. Today, with modern medicine, the worry has faded, but the tradition has stayed as a joyful family event.
How families celebrate
- Baekseolgi: plain white steamed rice cake is the classic baek-il food. Its pure white color is linked with purity and a long, healthy life.
- Sharing rice cake: traditionally, families shared rice cake with neighbors and relatives, and there is an old saying that sharing it with many people brings the baby good fortune.
- Baek-il table: many families now set up a decorated table with rice cake, fruit, flowers and a "100" sign, then take photos. Some book a photo studio for baek-il portraits.
- Small gatherings: usually close family only. It is smaller than dol, the first birthday, which is a bigger party with the famous doljabi game, where the baby picks an object said to hint at their future.
If you are invited to a baek-il as a guest, a modest gift for the baby, such as clothes, is appropriate. Close family sometimes give a small gold ring, a traditional gift for babies' milestones.
Couple anniversaries: 100 days and beyond
Korean couples count their relationship in days, not just months. The 100-day mark (often called "baek-il" too) is the first major one, followed by 200 days, 300 days, the first year, and sometimes 500 and 1,000 days. Many couples use phone apps that count the days automatically.
Most couples count the day they started dating as day 1, so the 100th day falls one day earlier than you might expect if you simply add 100 to the start date.
How couples celebrate
- A special dinner or a day trip together
- Flowers, a cake, a handwritten letter or a small gift
- Matching couple items, such as rings or phone cases, which are popular in Korea
- Photos, often posted to social media
This day-counting habit sits alongside Korea's many other couple dates, like Pepero Day on November 11, which can make the calendar feel very busy for Korean couples.
"Hana keeps a day counter for everything. Day 100 of the radio, day 100 of her plant. Somehow it always ends with cake." — LUMI, POPORO CITY
Quick tips
- If you are dating a Korean partner, ask how they count the days. Most start from day 1.
- For a couple's 100 days, a thoughtful small gift matters more than an expensive one.
- Invited to a baby's baek-il? Bring a small gift for the baby and congratulate the parents.
- Bakeries and rice cake shops in Korea often sell items for these celebrations.
FAQ
What does "baek-il" mean?
It means "100 days." It is used both for a baby's 100th day and, informally, for a couple's 100-day anniversary.
Is baek-il bigger than the first birthday?
No. The first birthday (dol) is usually the bigger event. Baek-il is often a smaller family celebration.
Do all Korean couples celebrate 100 days?
Not all, but it is very common, especially among younger couples. Some care more about the yearly anniversary.
Why white rice cake for babies?
Baekseolgi's pure white color is associated with purity and wishes for a long, healthy life.