I am how old in Korea?!

Hellooooo!

Today we are going to discuss the topic of Korean Age.

I don't know if any of you have heard of Korean age, but basically, you turn one year old on the day of your birth and you get one year older on January 1st of the following year. In South Korea, this is referred to as "man" age. Korean age is used in everyday life here, but official documents adhere to international age. I knew about Korean age before coming, but I didn't think it would be as important as it is!

Why do they count age this way?

They count age this way because they believe that the nine months in the mother's womb must be counted. That is why a newborn's 100th day is so important! It technically completes one full year of life. The one hundredth day party is called baegil janchi. 

Everyone Asks My Age!

You know how people usually refrain from asking an adults age because it could be seen as rude? That is not the case in South Korea. People here ask about age and marital status before having a proper discussion in order to use the appropriate level of Korean language. The Korean language strictly reflects the relationship and hierarchical order between two people. I have heard the expression of South Korea having a vertical hierarchical system while the West has a horizontal one. This suggests that people are spoken to with equal respect in the West, regardless of age or social standing. The vertical system in South Korea is based highly on your job position, age, and level of education. If someone is older, in a higher position than you, or both, you would need to speak to them using honorifics. This means that most words and phrases can be said two ways, informal and honorific.

I cannot speak Korean well, so this does not apply to me so much in the sense that Koreans do not expect me to adhere to the rules of hierarchy, especially if we are having a conversation in English. It's just not possible. However, I still refer to my Korean professors as Seonsaengnim because it is the honorific teacher. Always try to be respectful when referring to your teachers! When I go out with new people, they usually ask what year I was born. While we don't speak with honorifics, it is impolite to call someone by there name! So you must know someone's age to know what is appropriate to call them. I'm usually older, so the girls call me unni (older sister of a female) and the boys call me noona (older sister of a male). 

The Basics

Unni - older sister of a female

Oppa - older brother of a female

Noona - older sister of a male

Hyung - younger brother of a male

Yotongseng is the word for younger sister, but usually girls would just say the name of their younger female friend when referring to them. 

In a formal setting, refer to anyone and everyone as first name + ssi. In a formal setting, you would call me Marisol-ssi This is appropriate unless it has been specified that you can call the person by their first name. If a person has a specific title, you would call them by their title followed by nim. Remember seonsaengnim? Seonsang means teacher and nim is the formal ending. 

I have heard many people say that they do not agree with Korean hierarchy because they believe respect should be earned. Here in South Korea, you show a submissive type of respect to your elders and seniors. You are expected to do things for them and show respect at all times. If you're out to eat, you would serve them their beverage and set the table. Table setting is important! You wait for your elder to be served before you eat. If you're out eating Korean barbecue, you would do all of the meat cooking. However, the seniors are expected to pay. As a senior, you take care of your junior financially. 

What is your Korean Age?

Are you having a hard time figuring out your Korean age? Let me help! If you have already celebrated your birthday this year, add one year to your birthday. If you have NOT celebrated your birthday yet, add two years to your birthday. How old would you be in Korea? My international age is 23, while my Korean age is 24! Wow, that makes me feel old! 😅 

Try this:

(Current year) - (Year of Birth) + 1 = Korean Age

If you're still confused this quick video will help!