How Can You Be Two Ages? - Korean Birthday's
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I'll take the age were I'm younger!
The Lunar calendar is mostly used throughout Asia and was adopted by Korea from China. Unlike the Solar (Gregorian) calendar, this calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and still holds their traditional holidays and how they determine birthdays. They start calculating your birthday based on when you are conceived, and once you are born, you are one years old (9 months kind of seemed like 12...right?). Depending on the family, you will also receive an additional year on the Lunar New Year (which happens in January or February) or Gregorian New Year. The majority of Korean's have a 1 to 2 year difference in their ages depending on the Lunar New Year and where your birth date falls.
Birthday Party!
Most Korean's I have spoken to said that they celebrate their birthday on the Solar calendar, but will usually give both ages if asked. They receive presents and cake on this day, and it's typical to what we do in the U.S. However, some people celebrate their birthday on the Lunar New Year which the whole family celebrates their birthdays. One of the Korean's told me that the birthday party is usually combined with the New Year's celebration and you do not receive presents. Some of them that celebrate on this day cannot remember their Solar birthday's unless they look at their I.D. cards. The parties do have cakes, which are as tasty as what we have in the U.S., but you can also opt out for the deceiving "not delicious" rice cake version.** If you want to see how old you are in Korean Lunar years. You can visit this website for a Lunar Birthday calculator.
Great Party Gifts For Everyone!
More Adventures in South Korea!
How Old Would You Tell People You Are?
Koreans Have A Choice!
Sure, we say that the younger age would be better, but maybe not. If you do go by the Lunar calender, you would be able to drive earlier, drink alcohol, smoke, gamble, and even apply for Social Security benefits earlier!
What Age Would You Tell The Government?
I would still give them my younger age(Gregorian calender).
COUNTRYLUTHIER says:
I chose younger age squiddly one now that I am older!
seosrija says:
I would like to be more younger as my craze will remain constantly as I want it.
I would choose the older age(Lunar calender).
Ankoku says:
I think the Lunar Calendar is cooler sooo ~
photofk3 says:
If I get access to more benefits with the older age, I would tell that.
Discover Morea About Korea Here
No Matter How Old You Are, Leave Your Comments or Suggestions Here!
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Atreyusmommy May 17, 2012 @ 9:11 pm | delete
- Cool lens with great info. I never knew about this. Thank you for sharing
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AnzE02
Jan 24, 2012 @ 3:32 am | delete
- This lens is really informative and also helpful too..
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seosrija
Aug 31, 2011 @ 6:08 am | delete
- Wao! A great contradiction about telling age. Yup some times we might like to be younger and some times not.
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Mussarat
May 11, 2011 @ 12:34 am | delete
- interesting & somethino new to my knowledg
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Mujjen
Mar 5, 2011 @ 6:46 am | delete
- How interesting! In Ethiopia they are about 7 years behind, it is now 2004!
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Kimberly in Korea
by Geekgurl
Is the Asian way of life really that different from the West? I explore that question in my lenses as an expat that lives and travels in South Korea.... more »
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