60th Birthday (Hwan Gap)
For Koreans, number 60 means completing one big circle and beginning another one in one's life. In old times average life expectancy was much lower than 60, so it also meant a celebration of a long life. (These days, Koreans prefer celebrating 70th birthday (Chil Soon) with big party than 60th birthday.)
Taking a photo at one's 60th birthday with as many offspring possible is an important part of the party. At these 60th and 70th birthday, if one has a grand child or children on your lap, it is considered a complete scene. I can't imagine anybody's big 60th birthday without any grandchild. (I know one of my friends trying to have a baby before their father's 60th birthday celebration.)
Usually, children and grandchildren will take turn and give the big bow (squatting down and bow) to the birthday person and his or her spouse.
These days, dishes for this kind of party are generally catered. But if you are interested in serving small guest of yours, I recommend Beef Stir-fry (Bulgogi), Korean Roll (Kim Bab), Glass Noodle Stir-fry(Jap Chae), Chinese Scallion (Chives) Pancake (Bu Chim Gae) as main dish and Folded Egg, Seasoned Bean Sprouts, Seasoned Spinach, Zucchini fry , and Kimchi as side dish. The same food I recommend for Child's first birthday. Rice cake is a must item in Korea, but in a foreign country it is difficult to get it fresh. Sake or Jung Jong (Korean Sake) will add more fun.
