How to use
- Enter your date of birth — your traditional Korean age appears instantly.
- Below it you’ll find your international age, Korean year age, zodiac animal and days until your next birthday.
- Change the As of date to see your age on a specific day, such as a trip or a concert.
Good to know
Traditionally, Koreans are 1 year old at birth and everyone gets a year older on January 1, not on their birthday. That’s why K-pop idols’ “Korean age” is often one or two years more than their international age.
Since June 28, 2023, Korea officially uses international age (만 나이) for laws, contracts and official documents. International age starts at 0 and goes up by one on each birthday — the same system used in most countries.
A third system, year age (연 나이), is the current year minus the birth year. It is still used for military service, school entry and the legal age for buying alcohol and tobacco (19 in year age).
FAQ
How is Korean age calculated?
Korean counting age = current year − birth year + 1. Your birthday doesn’t matter; everyone ages on January 1.
Does Korea still use Korean age?
Not officially. Since June 2023 legal documents use international age, but people still mention counting age in daily conversation.
What age can you drink in Korea?
The legal drinking age is 19 in year age — from January 1 of the year you turn 19.
Updated: