Posted inQuestion about South Korea

What is the deal with Korean age?

Korean age is a unique way of calculating age that is different from the standard Western system. In Korea, a baby is considered one year old at birth, and everyone's age increases by one on January 1st of each year. This system dates back to traditional East Asian culture and was adopted during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the early 20th century to align with Japan's calendar system. Korean age can affect a person's ability to participate in certain activities and can also have an impact on social relationships and hierarchies. It remains an important part of Korean culture and identity, but it is not always used in every situation. Understanding Korean age is an important aspect of cultural awareness when interacting with Koreans both in Korea and abroad.
Why does Korea add 2 years to age?
Posted inQuestion about South Korea

Why does Korea add 2 years to age?

Koreans add two years to their age, which is rooted in their cultural practices and Confucianism. Age calculation has legal implications in Korea, affecting the legal age for drinking, smoking, voting, military service, education grouping, social status, relationships, beauty standards and identity. Understanding age calculation is important in understanding Korean culture.
Posted inQuestion about South Korea

How do Koreans count age?

The Korean age system is based on the lunar calendar and adds one year to a person's age on New Year's Day, regardless of their actual birthdate. It is an important part of Korean culture and identity, with age playing a significant role in how people interact with each other. Koreans also celebrate birthdays, with certain milestones such as the 100th day after a baby's birth and the 60th and 70th birthdays considered important. While Koreans use their international age when traveling abroad, they may need to use their Korean age for official documents. Other countries that use a different system for calculating age include China, Vietnam, and Japan.
Why is age so important in Korea?
Posted inQuestion about South Korea

Why is age so important in Korea?

Age is a significant aspect of social interaction in South Korea, where seniority is revered and younger people are expected to show deference to their elders. Age plays a crucial role in Korean work culture, dating culture, family structure, education, military service, political power, health care, and social clubs. Koreans celebrate significant milestones like turning 60 or 70 years old with elaborate festivities, reinforcing the importance they place on age. The Korean language has multiple levels of politeness, including age-based language that shows respect for elders. Understanding the role of age in Korean society can help foreigners navigate social situations and build meaningful relationships with Koreans.