Korean Age Calculator
Enter your birthday and see all three ways Korea counts age — instantly, in your browser.
The three Korean ages, in 30 seconds
- International age (만 나이) — years since birth, the world standard. Legally official in Korea since June 2023.
- Traditional Korean age (세는 나이)— you were 1 at birth and everyone ages together on New Year's Day. Still heard in casual talk and K-dramas.
- Year age (연 나이) — current year minus birth year. Used by drinking, smoking, school-entry and conscription law.
Want the full story, including why the law changed? Read the guide →
FAQ
- Why is my Korean age 1–2 years higher?
- Traditionally, Koreans counted a baby as 1 year old at birth, and everyone gained a year together on January 1st — so your Korean age is 1 or 2 years higher than your international age depending on the time of year.
- Didn't Korea abolish Korean age?
- Mostly, yes. Since 28 June 2023, international age is the legal standard for contracts, medical records and official documents. But the traditional count survives in casual conversation, and some laws (drinking age, school entry, conscription) use 'year age' — birth year alone.
- What age can I drink or buy cigarettes in Korea?
- The legal threshold uses year age: you may drink or smoke from January 1st of the year you turn 19 internationally — regardless of your birthday.