How does korean age work

As Koreans later began to observe the western calendars, the extra year is now added on January 1st. In the early s, Korea officially started using the Western-style calculating system. So what is your Korean age?

To find out, you should add one year to the current year , then subtract the year of your birth. Privacy Guidelines Contact Us. So the next time you are in Korea, you know what kind of people to go out for a bite to eat! Koreans bow to greet older people as a sign of respect.

This is something that is shown in the media time and again. The formal speech has to be used by younger people to the older folks at home or just in general. This is very important since this sets a tone for your speech and shows the respect you hold for the older person and is one of the most basic requirements.

The older one in the family or a clique of friends has the responsibility to lead the group. Although it is not mandatory to convert your age when you are answering them, it is appropriate to cite your age in the Korean Age system so that it applies to them as well.

A lot of westerners have admitted to citing their age in the Korean age system when they are in Korea just because that is their system and what they adhere to.

Another reason why you should just get it off according to the Korean age system is because it can avoid a lot of confusion when it comes to the contradicting methods. It can be a tad awkward to shoot the question to every person you meet just to adhere to etiquette. When the other person is younger or older and it is apparent that you can use the right term, you are saved without having to bring up the question.

Now addressing the elephant in the room, you can compare the actual age with the Korean age system. This can clarify a lot of cultural differences especially if you are in conversation with someone who is unfamiliar with the system and its workings. I have given the list of ages in Korean from 18 years to 40 years old.

The legal drinking age for Korean citizens is 20 years old. But in modern times, the Solar New Year January 1st is considered. So at this date, every citizen in Korea turns a year older, regardless of their actual birth date. Funny thing is, if a child is born on the 31st of December, then according to Korean customs, he or she would be 2 years old on January 1st!

Korea is a land with a unique culture and the rest of the world is beginning to get an insight to it, thanks to the successful series and movies that are flourishing. But the one that deserves the most credit and notice is the etiquette and manners that is considered an example of a disciplined country.

The Korean age system is also one such admired practice by the Koreans that the rest of the world admires and has gained a lot of recognition. Our emails are made to shine in your inbox, with something fresh every morning, afternoon, and weekend. For hundreds of years, Koreans have used a different method to count age than most of the world.

The method has its origins in China before spreading to different parts of Asia, but today, South Korea is the only country where everyone still uses it. So when a baby is born on Dec. If you want to find out what yours is, follow this simple equation: Take the current year, subtract your birth year, and add one. By providing your email, you agree to the Quartz Privacy Policy.