Actual Age vs. Korean Age, Which do you prefer?

The distinction between 'Korean age' (虛歲) and 'actual age' (實歲) stems from the difference between cultural traditions and modern scientific timekeeping, reflecting ancient people's unique perception of life's beginning and their ritualistic needs. Actual Age (周歲) Origin and Concept: Based on modern precise calendars and physiology, it calculates how long a person has truly lived. You are 0 years old at birth and only turn 1 year older after a full 365 days (after passing your birthday). Core Logic: Emphasizes the 'accumulation of time,' accurately recording the length of life. Korean Age (毛歲) Origin and Concept: Originated from traditional Chinese culture and the lunar calendar. Ancient people believed life began at the moment of conception (ten months of gestation), so a child was considered 1 year old at birth (representing approximately one year of life experience). Grows one year older at New Year: Korean age doesn't increase on your birthday but collectively on **Lunar New Year's Day (Seollal)**. This means even if a child is born on the day before Lunar New Year's Eve, they are considered 1 year old on the day of birth, and immediately become 2 years old on Lunar New Year's Day, the very next day. Core Logic: Emphasizes 'cosmic energy' and sequential ethics. Ancient people valued family order, zodiac year fortunes, and respectful address for elders. By collectively increasing Korean age at New Year, it was convenient for calculating annual fortunes and respecting the hierarchy of age. ------------------------ It's interesting how everyone collectively gets a year older on Lunar New Year. Someone born the day before Lunar New Year becomes two years old the next day, even if they've only lived for one day. Funny.