Does everyone turn a year older in Korea?

Author: Houston Fahey MD  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

It is always one or two years more than your international age. In counting someone's age in Korea, Koreans also consider a year in the womb, so everyone is one year old at birth. Everyone gets one year added to their Korean age on New Year's Day. South Korea is also the only country that practices this.

Are people in Korea one year older?

Under the “Korean age” system, babies are considered to be one year old on the day they are born, and every January 1, a year is added to people's ages – regardless of their actual birthdate. For example, a baby born on New Year's Eve becomes two years old the next day.

Is everyone the same age in Korea?

South Korea's traditional age-counting custom considers every person as 1-year-old at birth and adds another year when the calendar hits Jan. 1, meaning a child born on Dec.

Is 19 still a minor in Korea?

In the criminal justice system a minor may be tried and punished either "as a juvenile" or "as an adult". In Thailand, a minor is a person under 20 years of age, and, in South Korea, a person under 19 years of age.

Can a 17 year old date a 19 year old in Korea?

Age of consent is equal for both homosexual and heterosexual relationships, set at 13 & 16 years old. At 13, individuals can have sexual relations with anyone older than 13 and younger than 19. At 16, individuals can have sexual relations with anyone older than 16. 👍 NEW: Helpful votes!

Korean aging system explained: why we are turning a year or two younger soon

How old am I in Korea if I'm 14?

The formulas are: if your birthday has passed: Korean age = your age + 1. if your birthday has not passed: Korean age = your age + 2.

What is the legal drinking age in Korea?

The legal drinking age policy implemented in South Korea (Korea) is distinct from that in other countries, as it is based on a calendar year approach. Specifically, individuals are allowed to access alcohol from January 1 of the year in which they turn 19.

Why is age so important in Korea?

In Korean society, age differentiates an individual's roles and responsibilities, and this generates a rigid hierarchy system in family, work, and communities. If you have been in a Korean community, you might have experienced that elders have the authority to make decisions.

Why are Korean school days so long?

As a result of the perception that education is a means to achieve personal and professional success, students in South Korea dedicate a significant amount of time to studying. In fact, they put in so much effort that they often receive support from study academies and personal tutors outside of regular school hours.

How do Korean names work?

Korean names usually have three parts: the family or surname placed first, and a name identifying the generation, alternating each generation to second or third place with the given personal name.

How do Koreans age so well?

Koreans understand the importance of protecting their skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. They religiously apply sunscreen every day, rain or shine, to prevent premature aging and maintain skin health.

Is abortion legal in South Korea?

On 1 January 2021, South Korea decriminalised abortion, overturning laws that had penalised women and medical practitioners since 1953. Despite this milestone, universal access to safe abortion services remains elusive.

Does everyone in Korea have to go to the military?

Pursuant to national law in South Korea, compulsory military service is required of all males starting at age 18. This has been policy for decades and has not changed dramatically in that timeframe.

What is the lowest drinking age in the world?

The youngest legal drinking age in the world is 15, with both Mali and the Central African Republic allowing folks to drink at that time. Seven countries do not have a government-mandated drinking age, while 11 countries ban the consumption of booze entirely.

Is 18 still a minor in Korea?

In Korea, people can buy alcohol or tobacco from Jan. 1 of the year in which they are set to turn 19 according to the international system. The Youth Protection Act defines a "juvenile" as any person under the age of 19.

Is Korea strict about drinking?

Koreans have strict rules of etiquette in drinking alcoholic beverages. When receiving a glass from an elder, one must hold the glass with two hands (left palm at the bottom and hold the glass with the right hand) and bow the head slightly.

Do Koreans still use Korean age?

South Koreans became a year or two younger on Wednesday as new laws that require using only the international method of counting age took effect, replacing the country's traditional method.

What is the age of consent in Korea?

Age of Consent

Age of sexual consent is 16 years with a close-in-age exemption if a person under 19 engages in consensual sexual activities with a child over 13.

Is Kiss a real school in Korea?

The Korean Independent School of Seoul from XO, Kitty might be fictional — if you're asking "is KISS real?" unfortunately the answer is no — but it was practically real for the stars of the show.

What is the highest GPA in Korea?

In South Korea, depending on each school, the perfect score is represented as either 4.0, 4.3, or 4.5. The latter is the most commonly used system in the country.

How long is Korean school day?

Primary school pupils start at 08:00 and finish around 13:00. Middle and high schoolers stay in school a little longer, from 08:00 to around 16:30. The first 30 minutes at school are for self-studying, during which the teacher checks attendance and takes care of administrative matters. Classes start at 08:30.

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