Why is age so important in Korea?
South Korea is a country where age is a vital aspect of social interaction, and it can be challenging for foreigners to comprehend the significance of age in the Korean culture.
1. Age hierarchy and respect
Koreans have a hierarchical society that values respect for elders, and age plays an essential role in this. Seniority is revered, and younger people are expected to show deference to those who are older than them.
2. Age-based language
The Korean language has multiple levels of politeness, and one of the ways to show respect is by using age-based language. Koreans use different words and grammatical structures depending on their age or the age of the person they are speaking to.
3. Celebrating milestones
Koreans celebrate significant milestones like turning 60 or 70 years old with elaborate festivities, which shows how much importance they place on age. It is also common for Koreans to ask someone’s age when they first meet them.
4. Work culture
In Korean workplaces, seniority plays a crucial role in promotions, decision-making, and even seating arrangements. Older employees are often given more responsibility and respect.
5. Dating culture
Age is an essential factor in the dating scene in Korea as well. It is common for Koreans to ask about someone’s age early on in a relationship, and partners are expected to be close in age or have a similar social status.
6. Family structure
In Korean families, the oldest son traditionally inherits the family estate and takes care of their parents in their old age. This reinforces the idea that age and seniority are crucial aspects of Korean society.
7. Education
Age is also a factor in the education system. Students are grouped by age rather than academic ability, and older students are often viewed as role models for younger ones.
8. Military service
All able-bodied Korean men are required to serve in the military, with exemptions for certain medical conditions. The age at which they serve can affect their career prospects and social status.
9. Political power
In Korean politics, age can be a determining factor in a candidate’s success. Older politicians are often seen as more experienced and trustworthy, and younger politicians may struggle to gain support.
10. Health care
Koreans also place a high value on maintaining good health as they age. There is a significant emphasis on preventative care, and many older Koreans participate in regular exercise and visit traditional medicine practitioners.
11. Social clubs
Koreans often join social clubs based on their age group or interests, which allows them to interact with people who share similar experiences and perspectives.
12. Cultural values
The importance of age in Korea reflects broader cultural values like respect, filial piety, and community harmony. Understanding the role of age in Korean society can help foreigners navigate social situations and build meaningful relationships with Koreans.
Why do Koreans ask for your age?
In Korean culture, a person’s age determines their duties and responsibilities, leading to a strict hierarchical system in families, workplaces, and communities. If you have interacted with a Korean community, you may have noticed that older individuals hold decision-making power.
Why is the 60th birthday important in Korea?
In Korean tradition, a person who is technically 60 years old is considered to be celebrating their 61st birthday. This is because reaching 60 years old signifies completing one 60-year cycle and beginning a new one based on the traditional lunar calendar.
Why is the age of consent 20 in Korea?
South Korea decided to raise the age of consent to 20 in response to concerns about the insufficient protection of minors and criticisms that the existing law on sex crimes was too lenient. This decision was made in order to strengthen safeguards for young people.
Why can’t you say 18 in Korean?
Regrettably, if you pronounce this number even slightly incorrectly, it can sound like a highly offensive curse word in Korean (shi-bal / 씨발). The similarity is so striking that many Korean speakers use the number ’18’ as a substitute for the profanity in online chat rooms and video games.
Is Korean age still a thing?
In June 2023, South Koreans will be a year younger due to the government’s decision to eliminate the “Korean age” counting system. This move by President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration will result in reducing the age of all South Korean citizens by one year.
Is 18 a minor in Korea?
The definition of a “child” refers to an individual who is below the age of 18.
13. Age-based stereotypes
In Korea, there are many stereotypes and expectations associated with different age groups. For example, older people may be expected to be more conservative and traditional, while younger people may be viewed as more innovative and tech-savvy.
14. Age discrimination
While Korean society values seniority and respect for elders, there is also a darker side to this cultural focus on age. Age-based discrimination can occur in the workplace or in social situations, where younger people may be excluded or overlooked because of their age.
15. Aging population
Korea is facing significant challenges related to its aging population. As more people live longer, there are concerns about how the country will provide for its elderly citizens and ensure they receive adequate healthcare and social support.
16. Technological changes
As Korea becomes more modern and technologically advanced, there are questions about how this will affect traditional values related to age and seniority. For example, younger people may be more comfortable using new technologies, but older people may struggle to adapt.
17. International perspectives
The importance of age in Korean culture can be challenging for foreigners to understand, but it is essential to respect these cultural norms when interacting with Koreans. By learning about the role of age in Korean society, foreigners can build stronger relationships and avoid offending their Korean colleagues or friends.
18. Gender differences
While age plays an important role in both male and female Korean culture, there are also gender differences in how age is perceived. For example, women may face more pressure to marry and have children before a certain age, while men may be expected to achieve career success by a certain point in their lives.
19. Globalization
As Korea becomes more connected to the global community, there are questions about how this will affect traditional cultural values related to age and seniority. For example, young Koreans who study or work abroad may have different perspectives on age and respect than their peers who remain in Korea.
20. Inter-generational relationships
Despite the focus on age-based hierarchy in Korean culture, there are also many opportunities for inter-generational relationships and collaboration. For example, older Koreans may serve as mentors or teachers for younger people, while younger people can bring new perspectives and energy to older generations.