A New Law Makes South Koreans Two Years Younger

South Koreans have become one or two years younger.

Because a new law requires the use of the international age calculation method to take effect, replacing the country's traditional method.

Under the age system most commonly used in everyday life for South Koreans.

People are considered one year old at birth, and one year is added every January 1.

Since the early 1960s, the country has used international norms for counting from zero at birth and adding one year to each birthday for medical and legal documents.

But many South Koreans continue to use traditional methods for everything else.

In December, South Korea passed a law to abolish traditional methods and fully adopt international standards.

"We hope that the legal disputes, grievances, and social confusion caused by the method of calculating age will be greatly reduced," Government Minister of Legislation Lee Wan-kyu said in a briefing on Monday, June 26, 2023.

According to a government survey conducted in September 2022, 86% of South Koreans said they would use the international era in their daily lives when the new law comes into effect.

"I will turn 30 next year (under the traditional Korean age system), but now I have more time, and I like it," said Choi Hyun-ji, a 27-year-old office worker.

"It's really great to be younger," says Choi.

Another age system exists in South Korea for military service, school entry, and calculating the legal drinking and smoking age: a person's age is calculated from zero at birth, and one year is added on January 1.

Officials say that method will remain in place for now.