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Korean age calculator
The three ages, side by side
| System | How it counts | Where it applies today |
|---|---|---|
| Man nai (만 나이) | Western style: advances on your birthday | Legal standard since June 28, 2023 |
| Se neun nai (세는 나이) | Born at age 1, gains 1 every January 1st | Social and family use |
| Yeon nai (연 나이) | Current year minus birth year | Alcohol, tobacco and conscription laws |
Why one Korean person had three ages (and what changed in 2023)
Until June 2023, a baby born on December 31st turned "2 years old" the next day: born at age 1 (counting time in the womb) and gaining another year at New Year. The Age Unification Act made international age (man nai) the legal standard for contracts, documents and public services. Social custom still uses the traditional count, and specific laws (alcohol, tobacco, military conscription) use year age. So to follow K-dramas, K-pop or a Korean contract you still need all three. The gap between traditional and international age reaches 2 years for December babies.
Last updated: · Methodology and sources