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Korean age calculator
Free Korean age calculator: get your international age (만 나이, the legal standard since June 2023), year age (연 나이) and traditional Korean age, plus your zodiac animal.
Korea switched to international age in 2023
Since 28 June 2023, amendments to the Civil Act and the Framework Act on Public Administration make international age (만 나이)—your age counted from birth, increasing on your birthday—the default in laws, contracts and official documents (Ministry of Government Legislation). You may still hear the traditional "Korean age" in daily conversation.
The three Korean ages
- 만 나이 (international age): the official standard.
- 연 나이 (year age): current year minus birth year; still used in a few laws, e.g. the Youth Protection Act (alcohol/tobacco from the year you turn 19) and military service.
- 세는 나이 (Korean age): you are 1 at birth and everyone gains a year on 1 January. Informal only.
Koreans often ask "몇 년생이세요?" (what year were you born?) instead of your age, to work out honorifics.
FAQ
Does Korea still use Korean age?
Not officially. Since 28 June 2023 international age (만 나이) is the legal default. Traditional Korean age survives only in casual conversation.
How is traditional Korean age calculated?
Current year minus birth year plus 1. Everyone is 1 at birth and gets a year older on 1 January.
When can you drink in Korea?
From 1 January of the year you turn 19 (year age), under the Youth Protection Act.
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