Have you ever visited South Korea and found out you are one or even two years older than you expected?
You are not alone. Korea has a unique way of counting age that can make birthdays feel a bit confusing.
What Is the Korean Age System?
In traditional Korean culture, a newborn is considered to be one year old at birth. This reflects the idea that time spent in the womb counts as the beginning of life.
On top of that, everyone in Korea ages together on January 1st, no matter their actual birthday. So if a baby is born on December 31st, they will be considered two years old the next day.
A Simple Example
Imagine someone born in July 2000.
In most countries, they would turn 25 in July 2025.
But in Korea, that same person could be considered 26 or even 27, depending on when the question is asked.
Why Did This System Exist?
Age has long played an important role in Korean society. It is tied to language, social customs, and hierarchy. Knowing someone’s age helps determine how to speak to them and how to act in social situations.
The traditional system helped create a sense of order and shared identity across generations.
A Shift Toward Global Standards
In 2023, the Korean government made an official move to adopt the international age system for legal and administrative use. Now, your age on government documents matches the global standard.
Still, the traditional system is alive in everyday life, especially among older people and in informal conversations.
Why It Matters
Learning about Korean age is more than just a curiosity. It gives you a deeper understanding of how Koreans see time, relationships, and respect.
So the next time a Korean friend tells you you are a year older, you will know exactly why.
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