If you are 12 years old by Western standards, your Korean age is likely to be either 13 or 14, depending on when your birthday falls in the year.
Understanding Korean Age
The Korean age system differs from the international (Western) age system. Here's how it works:
- At birth: A baby is considered one year old.
- New Year's Day: Everyone adds a year to their age on January 1st, regardless of their birthday.
Calculating Your Korean Age
According to the reference, a simple way to calculate your Korean age is:
- Add one to the current year.
- Subtract your birth year.
While this formula provides a general idea, it's more accurate to consider your birthday.
- If your birthday has already passed this year: Your Korean age is your Western age + 1. Therefore, if you are 12 and your birthday has passed, your Korean age is 13.
- If your birthday has not yet passed this year: Your Korean age is your Western age + 2. Therefore, if you are 12 and your birthday hasn't passed, your Korean age is 14.
Example
Let's say the current year is 2024.
-
Scenario 1: Birthday Passed
- Western Age: 12
- Birthday: January 1, 2012 (Passed in 2024)
- Korean Age: 12 + 1 = 13
-
Scenario 2: Birthday Not Passed
- Western Age: 12
- Birthday: December 31, 2012 (Not passed in 2024)
- Korean Age: 12 + 2 = 14
Therefore, your Korean age is either 13 or 14, contingent on whether your birthday has passed in the current year.
