Korean Age Calculator
Calculate Korean age from birth year
What is Korean Age?
Korean age is a traditional way of counting a person’s age that has been part of Korean culture for centuries. It works differently from the international age system most countries use.
In the Korean age system:
- A person is considered 1 year old at birth (instead of 0).
- Everyone’s age increases by 1 year on January 1st, not on their birthday.
- This means someone born on December 31st will be considered 2 years old on January 1 — even if they are only 2 days old.
This traditional age counting method was once used in many East Asian countries, but today it is mainly known and culturally used in South Korea.
How Korean Age Is Calculated
Because of the way this system works, you only need your birth year to calculate your Korean age.
The Korean age formula is simple:
- Korean Age = (Current Year - Year of Birth) + 1
For example, if you were born in 2000 and the current year is 2025, your Korean age would be:
Korean Age = (2025 - 2000) + 1 = 26
So, you would be 26 years old in Korean age.
This method of age calculation means that Korean age is typically 1 or 2 years older than international age, depending on the time of year you were born.
Korean Age vs International Age (Comparison)
The main difference between Korean age and international age lies in how age is calculated and when it increases:
| Age System | How It Works | When Age Increases |
|---|---|---|
| Korean Age | Age starts at 1 at birth, increases every Jan 1 | January 1st |
| International Age | Age starts at 0 at birth, increases on birthday | On the person's birthday |
Is Korean Age Still Used After 2023?
In June 2023, South Korea officially adopted the international age system for legal and administrative purposes. This means that from June 2023 onwards, all age-related matters such as legal age, school enrollment, and official documents will use the international age system.
However, Korean age is still widely used in social contexts, such as among friends and family, and in cultural settings. Many people continue to use Korean age informally, especially in casual conversations.
So while the official use of Korean age has declined, it remains a part of South Korean culture and daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Korean age usually higher than international age?
Korean age starts at 1 at birth and increases every January 1st, so it is often 1–2 years higher than international age.
Is Korean age still commonly used in 2025?
Yes. Even though the international age system is now used officially, many people still refer to Korean age in casual conversations and social contexts.
Can two people born in the same year have the same Korean age?
Yes. Because everyone gains age on January 1st, all people born in the same year will share the same Korean age.
What age system should I use for legal purposes in Korea?
For legal, medical, or official documentation, use international age, as it is the current legal standard in South Korea.
Do I need my full date of birth for this calculator?
No. For traditional Korean age calculation, the birth year alone is sufficient because the calculation does not depend on the exact day or month.
Does my korean change on my birthday?
No, Korean age increases by one year on January 1st every year, regardless of your actual birthday.
Is Korean age important when watching K-dramas or following K-pop artists?
Yes. Ages mentioned in K-dramas, interviews, and K-pop profiles often use Korean age, which can make celebrities appear older than their international age.