What’s the Deal with Korean Age vs. International Age?

What’s the Deal with Korean Age vs. International Age?

“Why is my Korean friend suddenly two years older than me—even though we’re the same age?”

Welcome to the uniquely Korean concept of “Korean age” (한국 나이). For decades, Koreans calculated age differently than the rest of the world, often making people 1–2 years older than their international peers.

 

This post unpacks the Korean age system, why it existed, and what’s changed with new national laws.

 

📌 Contents

1. How Korean Age Works
2. Korean Age vs. International Age: An Example
3. Why Did Korea Use This System?
4. 2023 Reform: The New Age Law
5. Why Age Still Matters So Much in Korea

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1. How Korean Age Works

Traditionally, Koreans are:

• 1 year old at birth (counting the time in the womb as Year 1)
• Gain 1 year on January 1, regardless of their actual birthday

This means your Korean age increases with the new year—not on your birthday.

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2. Korean Age vs. International Age: An Example

Let’s say your birthday is July 15, 2000:

• In 2023 (before the law change):
• International age: 23
• Korean age: 24 (1 at birth + 1 each January 1)

If you were born in late December, the difference could be even more dramatic.

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3. Why Did Korea Use This System?

The origins of Korean age go back to traditional East Asian practices. It was:

• Symbolic: Counting time in the womb as the first year of life
• Social: Easier for grouping by cohort or generation
• Cultural: Embedded in honorific language and social hierarchy

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4. 2023 Reform: The New Age Law

As of June 28, 2023, South Korea officially adopted the international age system for legal and administrative purposes.

This means:

• Government documents now reflect actual birthdate-based age
• Korean age is still used informally, but it’s no longer the legal standard

The change aimed to reduce confusion, especially in international dealings and healthcare.

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5. Why Age Still Matters So Much in Korea

Regardless of how it’s calculated, age is central to Korean communication:

• It determines how you speak to someone (formal vs. informal language)
• It influences friendship, respect, and workplace hierarchy
• People still ask “How old are you?” early in conversations

So even if Korean age fades legally, its social weight remains strong.

“In Korea, age isn’t just a number—it’s a key to how you relate to others.”

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🔚 Conclusion: Counting More Than Years

The Korean age system may be changing, but the culture of respect, seniority, and group belonging still defines Korean society. Whether you’re gaining or losing a year, understanding age in Korea is essential for understanding how relationships work.

 

Coming up next: Why is education so important in Korea? Let’s examine academic pressure and pride in post 17.

 

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