Born in 2020 — age in 2026: 5 to 6
Someone born in 2020 is 7 by Korean counting age in 2026, 6 by year age, and 5 before this year’s birthday or 6 after it by international age. International age is the one on documents and in law.
- Counting age (세는 나이)7
2026 − 2020 + 1. Everyday usage until 27 June 2023.
- Year age (연 나이)6
2026 − 2020. What conscription and the alcohol and tobacco age go by.
- International age (만 나이)5 before the birthday · 6 afterthe legal age today
Full years lived. The legal default since 28 June 2023.
Born in 2020: year of the Rat (Gyeongja)
The zodiac follows the lunar year, so a birth in January or early February 2020, before Seollal, belongs to the previous year’s Pig.
School years and milestones
| Elementary school entry | March 2027 |
|---|---|
| Middle school entry | March 2033 |
| High school entry | March 2036 |
| Final year of high school | 2038 |
| University entry | March 2039 |
| Turns 20 (year age) | 2040 |
Age right now by month of birth (as of September 2026)
| Born in January | 6 |
|---|---|
| Born in February | 6 |
| Born in March | 6 |
| Born in April | 6 |
| Born in May | 6 |
| Born in June | 6 |
| Born in July | 6 |
| Born in August | 6 |
| Born in September | 5 before the birthday · 6 after |
| Born in October | 5 |
| Born in November | 5 |
| Born in December | 5 |
Age in another year
FAQ
Why are the three ages for 2020 all different?
Counting age starts at 1 at birth and rises every 1 January, giving 7 in 2026. Year age is 2026 − 2020 = 6. International age is 5 or 6 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 2020-born person appears as 5 before and 6 after the birthday on 2026 paperwork. Laws that count by year age — conscription, the Youth Protection Act — still use 6.
Does the early-birthday rule affect people born in 2020?
No. From the 2009 entry everyone born in the same calendar year enters together, so all 2020 births share a school year. The rule ended with the 2008 entry (births in 2001).
What is the zodiac animal for 2020?
The Rat — Gyeongja in the sexagenary cycle. The zodiac follows the lunar year, so a birth before Seollal in January or early February 2020 counts as the previous year’s Pig. The exact Seollal date is in the lunar converter.