Which age does Korea use now?
Since June 28, 2023, Korean law counts age as international age (만 나이): you start at 0 and add one year on each birthday. Article 158 of the Civil Act says age is calculated in full years including the day of birth. Hospitals, contracts and government forms all use this number.
Why people still talk about “Korean age”
For generations Koreans used a traditional age (세는 나이): everyone was 1 at birth and gained a year every January 1. You will still hear it in casual talk, especially from older people. It is no longer used in official documents.
Year age still matters for alcohol and military service
Some laws use year age (연 나이): current year minus birth year. The Youth Protection Act defines a youth as under 19, but excludes anyone who has reached January 1 of the year they turn 19. So in practice, everyone born in the same year can buy alcohol and tobacco from January 1 of that year — even before their birthday.
| Age type | How it counts | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| International (만 나이) | 0 at birth, +1 on birthday | Law, forms, hospitals |
| Year age (연 나이) | Current year − birth year | Alcohol, tobacco, military |
| Traditional (세는 나이) | 1 at birth, +1 every Jan 1 | Casual conversation |
Frequently asked questions
Do Koreans still use Korean age?
Not officially. Since June 28, 2023 the law uses international age. Many people still mention the traditional age in conversation, so it helps to know both.
How old do you have to be to drink in Korea?
You can buy alcohol from January 1 of the year you turn 19 (year age 19), under the Youth Protection Act. Your exact birthday does not matter.
Why was I one or two years older in Korea?
The traditional system counts the year of birth as age 1 and adds a year every January 1, so it can be up to two years higher than your international age.
Sources: Civil Act, Article 158 (Korea Law Information Center) · Youth Protection Act, Article 2. Last checked: 2026-10-09