Happy Birthday in Korean: 생일 축하해요 (Saengil Chukahaeyo)
생일 축하해요 means happy birthday. Casual/polite forms and Korean birthday traditions.
Published on February 5, 2026
"Happy birthday" in Korean is 생일 축하해요 (saengil chukahaeyo). Pronounce it "saeng-il chu-ka-hae-yo."
The 3 Levels of "Happy Birthday"
| Level | Korean | Romanization | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | 생일 축하해 | saengil chukahae | Close friends |
| Polite | 생일 축하해요 | saengil chukahaeyo | Standard |
| Formal | 생일 축하합니다 | saengil chukahamnida | Elders, respect |
The Korean Birthday Song
Koreans sing the same melody as "Happy Birthday to You" but with Korean lyrics:
🎵 생일 축하합니다 (x2) 🎵 사랑하는 [name] 🎵 생일 축하합니다
Korean Birthday Traditions
미역국 (miyeokguk) — Seaweed Soup
On your birthday in Korea, you eat miyeokguk. It's a mandatory tradition. Why? Because Korean women eat this soup after giving birth. Eating it on your birthday is a way to thank your mother.
Gifts
Popular Korean birthday gifts: money (in envelopes), cakes, cosmetics, practical gifts.
Further reading: for other big occasions, see wedding and baby congratulations in Korean and how to say "Happy New Year" in Korean. And speaking of age: why Koreans always ask your age.
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