What is the difference between international and Korean age?

International age is birthday-based (the global standard); Korean counting age counts the birth year as 1, so it is usually 1-2 years higher.

What changed with the 2023 age unification?

Since June 2023, international age is used by default in law, administration, and contracts unless stated otherwise — usually 1-2 years younger than the traditional Korean age.

How is age calculated for early-year births?

International age depends only on the birthday, so it is unaffected. Korean counting and year ages use only the birth year.

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Age of People Born in 1997 (as of 2026) - Toolkit

People born in 1997 are 28-29 years old (international age) as of 2026, or 30 in Korean age.

2026International age (birthday-based)

Date of birth

Age

How age is calculatedShow steps

International age29

this year − birth year (−1 if birthday hasn't passed yet)

How it's calculated & notes

·International age counts completed years of life: (this year − birth year), minus 1 if your birthday hasn't occurred yet this year.
·It increases by 1 on each birthday.
·Different countries and cultures may count age differently, so a local reckoning can differ from this value.

Age for Those Born in 1997

As of 2026, someone born in 1997 is 30 in Korean counting age and 29 in year age. Their international age is 29 if their birthday has passed, or 28 if not.

By age type

International age (birthday passed): 29
International age (before birthday): 28
Korean counting age: 30
Year age: 29

What is the age calculator?

Since June 2023, Korea legally uses international age. International age increases by one on each birthday; Korean counting age counts the birth year as age 1 and adds a year each New Year; year age is the current year minus the birth year.

Age types

International age: birthday-based (legal standard since 2023)
Korean counting age: 1 at birth year, +1 each New Year
Year age: current year − birth year

View the full age-by-birth-year table →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between international and Korean age?: International age is birthday-based (the global standard); Korean counting age counts the birth year as 1, so it is usually 1-2 years higher.
What changed with the 2023 age unification?: Since June 2023, international age is used by default in law, administration, and contracts unless stated otherwise — usually 1-2 years younger than the traditional Korean age.
How is age calculated for early-year births?: International age depends only on the birthday, so it is unaffected. Korean counting and year ages use only the birth year.

Last updated: July 2026