Born in 2018 — age in 2026: 7 to 8
Someone born in 2018 is 9 by Korean counting age in 2026, 8 by year age, and 7 before this year’s birthday or 8 after it by international age. International age is the one on documents and in law.
- Counting age (세는 나이)9
2026 − 2018 + 1. Everyday usage until 27 June 2023.
- Year age (연 나이)8
2026 − 2018. What conscription and the alcohol and tobacco age go by.
- International age (만 나이)7 before the birthday · 8 afterthe legal age today
Full years lived. The legal default since 28 June 2023.
Born in 2018: year of the Dog (Musul)
The zodiac follows the lunar year, so a birth in January or early February 2018, before Seollal, belongs to the previous year’s Rooster.
School years and milestones
| Elementary school entry | March 2025 |
|---|---|
| Middle school entry | March 2031 |
| High school entry | March 2034 |
| Final year of high school | 2036 |
| University entry | March 2037 |
| Turns 20 (year age) | 2038 |
Age right now by month of birth (as of September 2026)
| Born in January | 8 |
|---|---|
| Born in February | 8 |
| Born in March | 8 |
| Born in April | 8 |
| Born in May | 8 |
| Born in June | 8 |
| Born in July | 8 |
| Born in August | 8 |
| Born in September | 7 before the birthday · 8 after |
| Born in October | 7 |
| Born in November | 7 |
| Born in December | 7 |
Age in another year
FAQ
Why are the three ages for 2018 all different?
Counting age starts at 1 at birth and rises every 1 January, giving 9 in 2026. Year age is 2026 − 2018 = 8. International age is 7 or 8 depending on whether the birthday has passed. All three are correct; they are used for different things.
Which age applies since the 2023 unification?
From 28 June 2023 Korean law and administration use international age unless a statute says otherwise, so a 2018-born person appears as 7 before and 8 after the birthday on 2026 paperwork. Laws that count by year age — conscription, the Youth Protection Act — still use 8.
Does the early-birthday rule affect people born in 2018?
No. From the 2009 entry everyone born in the same calendar year enters together, so all 2018 births share a school year. The rule ended with the 2008 entry (births in 2001).
What is the zodiac animal for 2018?
The Dog — Musul in the sexagenary cycle. The zodiac follows the lunar year, so a birth before Seollal in January or early February 2018 counts as the previous year’s Rooster. The exact Seollal date is in the lunar converter.