Madhuri R*
In June 2023, South Korea adopted the international age system which marks a significant transformation in age reckoning practices. By aligning age calculations with global standards, South Korea aims to enhance interactions with individuals from diverse countries and eliminate confusion surrounding age. This article explains the historical background of the Korean age reckoning, reasons for adopting the new system, the challenges faced during the transition, and the long-term implications for South Korean society.
There exist different ways of age reckoning in South Korea-mainly the traditional and the international. The traditional system traces its roots to the Chinese system, which considers a person one-year-old at birth and adds a year on New Year’s Day (lunar new year). The international age system, called man-nai, represents the actual age in years, while the traditional system uses the term ‘dol’ to indicate age particularly for the first few birthdays.
The Chinese system is based upon ancient Chinese astrology, where it was believed that a person’s fate was connected to the specific stars that were in opposition to the planet Jupiter (Jovian stars) during the time of one’s birth. So, instead of counting age in terms of the years passed, this system counts the number of Jovian stars a person has experienced in their lifetime to calculate age. It remains a culturally significant practice, intertwining astrology, the Chinese zodiac, and a distinctive approach to age calculation.
Korean birthdays can be celebrated based on either the lunar calendar (eumnyeok saeng-il) or the Gregorian calendar (yangnyeok saeng-il). In the past, the lunar calendar was more commonly used. A simple way to understand the Korean age system is that your Korean age is always at least one year older than your international age. This is because the Korean age includes an additional year to account for the time spent in the womb before birth, which is nearly one year.
After years of deliberation, the South Korea government in June 2023 passed a law to abandon the traditional age reckoning system and to use only the international system. In the past, the traditional system was used not only in Korea but also throughout East Asia. However, other countries abandoned it much earlier than South Korea. Japan dropped the method from its legal system in 1950, China hasn’t used it since the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution and North Korea has officially used the common international age method since the 1980s. The Korean age system, despite its complexities, nuances and potential to create confusion, remained the dominant age calculation method in South Korea until recently due to its deep-rooted presence in the country’s societal customs and traditions. South Korea, though advanced in technology, is reluctant to change when it comes to traditional norms which includes the age system.
The decision to adopt the international age system in South Korea was driven by several factors. Firstly, the traditional Korean age system created confusion when interacting with individuals from countries following the international age system. This disparity hindered effective communication and comprehension of individuals’ ages. Additionally, the practice of adding an extra year to one’s age on New Year’s Day, regardless of their birthdate, appeared outdated and inconsistent with contemporary global age calculation norms. To address these challenges and foster better understanding, South Korea recognized the need to synchronise age calculations with international standards.
The transition to the international age system brings forth several advantages for South Korea. Firstly, it facilitates smoother interactions and minimises age-related misunderstandings between South Koreans and individuals from other countries. By adopting a universally recognized age calculation method, South Korea can enhance communication and avoid confusion in various contexts. Secondly, the new system reduces ambiguity and ensures accurate identification and documentation for legal and medical purposes. This standardisation improves efficiency and reliability in bureaucratic systems. Lastly, aligning with the international age system allows for global age comparison and enhances compatibility in international collaborations, commerce, and diplomacy.
Since the second half of the 20th century, Korea has been in the process of accelerated modernisation. Western countries and their institutions have served as a model for what South Korea aspires to become in terms of advancement. With the arrival of the new millennium, the push for advancement gained momentum in reaction to globalisation, leading to the replacement of several long-standing traditional customs and principles. As the country became more interconnected with the world, adopting practices followed by most countries made it easier for South Korea to engage in international business, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges with them.
While transitioning to the international age system offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges. Incorporating the international age system into social and cultural contexts deeply rooted in the traditional Korean age system may encounter difficulties. This transition may impact age-based hierarchical relationships and traditional celebratory practices. Moreover, individuals and organisations will need time to adapt to the new calculations and terminologies associated with the international age system.
The Confucian culture has a rigid hierarchical system in place. Its focus on honouring ancestors, age, and seniority continues to shape various aspects of Korean family, work, and social dynamics, although its impact is less pronounced today than in previous generations. Alongside other factors like one’s economic standing and position within a professional hierarchy, age and marital status also play a role in establishing seniority. Even in social interactions among acquaintances, these factors, particularly age, will have an influence on relationships.
In summary, South Korea’s shift from the traditional Korean age system to the international age system represents a progressive move towards global integration. By adopting a universally recognized age calculation method, South Korea aims to facilitate smoother interactions, minimise age-related confusion, and simplify legal and medical procedures. The deeply rooted notions of hierarchy in Korean society may become a challenge during the transition period. The long-term advantages of aligning with the international age system are expected to surpass these initial obstacles. This transition positions South Korea as a more globally connected nation.
The shift also indicates a cultural change, moving away from rigid age-based hierarchies. As South Korea modernises and connects with the world, this shift in age reckoning becomes a complex blend of preserving cultural traditions and adjusting to the evolving demands of a rapidly changing global environment. The future impact of this evolving age system on Korean society and culture remains uncertain and will unfold over time.
*Madhuri R is a Research Associate at the Korea Centre