Korean age calculator
Korean counting age = current year − birth year + 1. It is always 1 or 2 years more than your international age. Since June 2023, South Korea officially uses international age, but counting age is still common in everyday conversation.
How each age is calculated
| System | Formula | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| International age (만 나이) | Years since birth; goes up on your birthday | Official/legal use in Korea since June 2023; worldwide standard |
| Year age (연 나이) | Current year − birth year | Some rules, e.g. school entry and military service |
| Korean counting age (세는 나이) | Current year − birth year + 1 | Traditional; still used casually and in older idol profiles |
FAQ
- How do you calculate Korean age?
- Traditional Korean age (counting age) is the current year minus your birth year, plus 1. Everyone is 1 at birth and gets a year older every January 1. Someone born in 2000 is 27 in Korean counting age during 2026.
- Does Korea still use Korean age?
- Not officially. Since June 28, 2023, South Korea uses international age for legal and administrative purposes. Counting age is still common in casual conversation, and "year age" (current year minus birth year) is still used for some rules such as school entry and military service.
- What is the difference between Korean age, year age and international age?
- International age goes up on your birthday. Year age is the current year minus your birth year. Korean counting age is year age plus 1. Depending on the date, counting age is 1 or 2 years higher than international age.
- Why do K-pop idols sometimes list two different ages?
- Older profiles and Korean fan sites often used counting age, while English profiles use international age. That is why the same idol can appear one or two years apart.