Korean Age Calculator
Enter your date of birth to see your international age, traditional Korean age and year age side by side.
Checked October 2026 · Reflects Korea's international-age law in effect since June 28, 2023
International age (used officially in Korea)
0
Three ways to count age in Korea
| International age | 0 at birth, +1 every birthday. Used for law, contracts and medical care since 2023. |
| Year age | This year − birth year. Still used for buying alcohol and tobacco and for military service. |
| Korean age | 1 at birth, +1 every January 1. Traditional and informal only. |
FAQ
What is Korean age?
Traditionally, Koreans were 1 year old at birth and everyone added a year on January 1, so a baby born on December 31 turned 2 the next day. Since June 28, 2023, Korean law uses international age instead, but you may still hear the old way in conversation.
Which age should I use in Korea?
Use international age for official documents, contracts and medical care. Buying alcohol or tobacco and military service rules still use 'year age' (this year minus birth year): you can buy alcohol from January 1 of the year you turn 19.
How is the zodiac animal decided?
It follows the lunar new year, so if you were born in January or early February your zodiac animal may be the previous year's.