How Korean Age Works (And Why It’s Different From the West)
If you’ve ever asked someone in Korea how old they are and the answer seemed… a little too high - That’s because Korea traditionally used a unique system for calculating age that’s quite different from what most of the world uses. But as of 2023, that system has officially come to an end (at least in legal and official settings).
Let’s break down how Korean age used to work, how it’s changing, and why it matters so much in daily life.
📏 What Was “Korean Age”?
Traditionally, Koreans calculated age like this:
You are 1 year old at birth, not zero.
Then, everyone adds one year on January 1st, regardless of when they were actually born.
🧠 Example:
If you were born on December 31st, you’d be 1 year old at birth and turn 2 the very next day on New Year’s Day.
As a result, people’s Korean age was often 1 to 2 years older than their international age.
📅 Major Update: Korean Age System Ended in 2023
In a big cultural shift, South Korea officially abolished the use of the traditional Korean age system in June 2023 for legal and administrative purposes. That means:
All government forms, IDs, healthcare documents, and contracts now use international age — the same method used in most countries.
This move was made to reduce confusion and align Korea with global standards.
But socially?
Many Koreans still use Korean age in everyday conversation, especially among older generations or in casual situations. So don’t be surprised if someone says, “In Korean age, I’m 30,” even though their official age is 28.
👥 Why Age Is So Important in Korea
In Korean culture, age influences how people speak and interact with each other.
The Korean language uses different levels of formality based on age.
Knowing someone’s age helps you determine whether to use honorifics, speak casually, or more formally.
It's common to ask, “몇 살이에요?” (How old are you?) early in a conversation. To understand the social dynamics.
Even a one-year difference can change the entire tone of a conversation.
✨ Tips for Foreigners Navigating Age in Korea
👶 Clarify birthdays with Korean friends. It helps avoid confusion, especially if you're the same birth year.
🤝 Use polite language if unsure. It’s better to err on the respectful side. But don’t stress! Most Koreans are understanding and appreciate foreigners making the effort to learn.
The traditional Korean age system may be gone from the law books, but it’s still part of the cultural conversation. Understanding how it worked and why it was so significant, gives insight into Korean values around respect, hierarchy, and communication.