Korean age, also known as "Korean reckoning," is a system of counting a person's age that is used in South Korea. In this system, a person is considered to be one year old at the time of their birth, and their age increases by one year on New Year's Day, regardless of their actual birth date. This is in contrast to the Western system, where a person's age increases by one year on their actual birthday.
The question of whether Korean age is more or less than normal is a matter of perspective. For some, the Korean age system may seem confusing or strange, especially for those who are not familiar with it. However, for others, it may be seen as a more accurate and practical way of counting a person's age.
One of the main benefits of the Korean age system is that it simplifies the process of determining a person's age. In the Western system, a person's age can change several times throughout the year, making it difficult to determine their age in certain situations. With the Korean age system, a person's age remains constant throughout the year, making it easier to determine their age in official or legal situations.
Another benefit of the Korean age system is that it better reflects a person's life stage and developmental stage. In the Western system, a newborn is considered to be zero years old, but in the Korean system, they are considered to be one year old. This reflects the idea that a person's life begins at birth, and their age starts to accumulate from that point forward.
However, the Korean age system can also create confusion and misunderstandings in some situations. For example, in the Western system, a person who is 30 years old is considered to be in their early 30s, but in the Korean system, they would be considered to be in their late 30s. This can create confusion when determining a person's eligibility for certain programs or benefits, such as retirement or education.
In conclusion, the Korean age system has both benefits and drawbacks, and whether it is considered to be more or less than normal depends on the individual's perspective. Regardless, it is a unique and important aspect of South Korean culture, and understanding the system is essential for anyone who is traveling or living in South Korea.
