The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years old.
Understanding the Legal Drinking Age in Korea
In South Korea, like many countries, there is a minimum age requirement for purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages. This age is set by law to protect young people and regulate the sale of alcohol. Here's a breakdown:
- The Legal Age: The specific legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years old. This is based on the Korean age system, which differs slightly from the Western way of calculating age. (Reference: Alcohol. The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years of age.)
- Age Calculation: In Korea, a baby is considered one year old at birth, and everyone ages an additional year on January 1st of each year. This means that Koreans turn 19 at the beginning of the year in which they turn 19 by the standard method.
- Purchasing Alcohol: Individuals under 19 are not legally allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from stores, restaurants, or other licensed establishments.
- Consequences of Underage Drinking: Selling or providing alcohol to minors can result in penalties for the establishment or individual. Similarly, underage drinking may lead to legal consequences for the minor.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Drinking Age | 19 Years Old |
| Age Calculation | Korean system (age on Jan 1st) |
| Purchase Restrictions | Prohibited under 19 years of age |
| Penalties | Possible for sellers and underage drinkers |
Therefore, if you are planning a trip to South Korea, it is important to know and observe the legal drinking age.
