Korean Age Calculator
Under Korea's age standardization law, in effect since June 28, 2023, legal and administrative ages are unified around the international age system. Enter your date of birth to instantly see both your international age and your year age (current year − birth year, the counting method still used in some Korean laws).
Examples
Born May 15, 2000 — age in July 2026
The birthday (May 15) has already passed, so the international age is 2026 − 2000 = 26, and the year age is also 26.
Born December 25, 2000 — age in July 2026
The birthday (December 25) has not yet arrived, so the international age is 2026 − 2000 − 1 = 25, while the year age is 26.
A newborn's international age
In the international age system, a baby is 0 years old at birth and turns 1 on their first birthday. Before that, age is expressed in months, e.g. "3 months old".
FAQ
What is Korea's age standardization law?
It is a law that took effect on June 28, 2023, unifying how age is interpreted in statutes, contracts, and official documents: unless otherwise specified, age means international age. The traditional Korean counting method, where a baby is considered 1 year old at birth, is no longer used legally.
When is the year age (Korean counting) used?
Some Korean laws still use year age for administrative convenience, such as the Military Service Act (draft physical examinations), the Youth Protection Act (legal age for buying alcohol and tobacco), and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (school entry). For example, you can buy alcohol and tobacco from January 1 of the year you turn 19 in year age.
When does the international age go up by one?
On your birthday. For example, someone born on May 15, 2000 gains one year of international age every May 15.
Is insurance age different from international age?
Yes. In Korea, insurance age is based on your international age as of the contract date, rounded to the nearest year: fractions under 6 months are dropped, and 6 months or more round up. For example, at 29 years and 7 months, your insurance age is 30, which can change your premiums.
How is the Chinese zodiac sign determined?
Your zodiac sign follows the twelve-animal cycle (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) based on your birth year. Traditionally the cycle changes at Lunar New Year, but in everyday use it is often based on January 1 of the solar calendar.
International age vs. year age vs. traditional Korean age
International age starts at 0 at birth and increases by one on each birthday. Year age is simply the year difference (current year − birth year). Traditional Korean age was the old counting method in which a baby starts at 1 and everyone gains a year on New Year's Day.
Under the traditional system, a baby born on December 31 would absurdly be 2 years old the very next day. Korea's age standardization law was enacted to eliminate this kind of confusion.
Key age thresholds in Korea (international age)
Age 18: voting rights, driver's license, marriage. Age 19: legal adulthood under civil law and purchase of alcohol and tobacco (though the Youth Protection Act uses year age 19). Age 60: statutory minimum retirement age. Age 65: basic pension, free subway rides, and other senior benefits.
The starting age for national pension benefits varies from 61 to 65 depending on birth year. Those born in 1969 or later become eligible at age 65.
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