Author
H.D. PARK
Table of Contents
Ever heard about the Korean age? If you’ve ever talked to Korean friends, you may have heard someone say, “I’m 30 in Korean age, but 28 internationally.”
It might sound strange at first, but Korea has a unique age system that counts age differently from the international standard. Whether you’re a traveler, a K-pop fan, or just curious, understanding how Korean age works is both fun and culturally insightful.
What Is Korean Age?
In Korea, you’re not born at age 0 — you’re born at age 1. Then, you age again every January 1st, regardless of your actual birthday.
That means if you’re born on December 31st, you’re 1 on the day you’re born, and the very next day — January 1st — you become 2 years old, even though you’re technically only two days old.
This system is known as the traditional Korean age, and although a recent law in 2023 started transitioning some areas (like government documents) to international age, many Koreans still use the traditional age in social life.
The Korean Age Calculator
🎂 Korean Age Calculator
How to Calculate Korean Age
There’s a simple formula to calculate your Korean age:
Korean Age = (Current Year – Birth Year) + 1
For example, if you were born in 2000 and it’s 2025:
(2025 – 2000) + 1 = 26 (your Korean age)
No matter what month you’re born in, as soon as the new year comes, you gain one year in Korean age.
Korean Age vs. International Age
| Comparison | Korean Age | International Age |
|---|---|---|
| Age at birth | 1 | 0 |
| When age increases | Every January 1st | On your birthday |
| Example: Born Dec 31, 2000 | 26 (in Jan 2025) | 24 (until Dec 30, 2025) |
This can lead to 1 or 2 years of difference between the two systems, especially if your birthday is late in the year.
Why Do Koreans Use This System?
The origins of the Korean age system are tied to Confucian traditions and East Asian numerology. In the past, life expectancy was lower, and age held social importance for hierarchy and respect.
By starting at age 1 and counting years based on the calendar rather than birthdate, everyone aged together — a symbol of unity in community-based living.
Even today, age determines:
- How you speak (honorifics in Korean)
- How you interact socially or at work
- When you go to school or join the army
Common Questions About Korean Age
Is Korean age still used in 2025?
Yes — although South Korea officially switched to the international age system for most legal and administrative purposes in 2023, the traditional Korean age is still widely used in everyday life.
You’ll still hear people refer to their Korean age in casual conversations, family gatherings, and social introductions. This is especially true among older generations or in culturally traditional settings.
Because this dual system can be confusing, especially for foreigners, Koreans will often ask for your birth year instead of your age. That’s why instead of asking “How old are you?”, they might say “What year were you born?” This makes it easier to calculate the Korean age and determine social hierarchy — which is important in Korean culture for using the right level of formality in speech.
How do schools and military use age?
While most Korean laws now use international age, there are still key areas where the system feels very similar to traditional Korean age — even if it’s technically based on your international birth year.
For example:
- School admission: Children in Korea enter elementary school in the year they turn 7 (international age), not after their actual 7th birthday. So even if a child is still 6 for most of the school year, they start school anyway — much like they would under the old Korean age system.
- Military service: In Korea, all eligible men are required to undergo a military physical examination in the year they turn 18 in international age, which technically means when you are 19 in Korean age.
- Drinking age: Legally, alcohol consumption is permitted from January 1st of the year you turn 19 (international age). This means that someone born on December 31 can legally drink starting January 1 of their 19th year — even though they’re still 18 by international standards.
So while the law now uses international age, many policies are based on the calendar year, which can feel similar to how Korean age works — especially in terms of social expectations and timing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Korean age is more than just doing the math — it’s a window into Korean culture and the way people relate to one another in everyday life. From language and manners to school and military service, age plays a big role in shaping Korean society.
Personally as I get older, I sometimes find it comforting to think in international age. There’s a small sense of relief in telling myself, “Actually, I’m a year (or two!) younger if I go by the international system.” It’s a funny, subtle trick — but it really does make me feel a bit younger. So next time someone asks, “How old are you in Korean age?” you’ll know exactly what they mean.
