This special tradition involves wearing traditional Korean hanbok, taking lots of cute pictures, and having a ton of fruit to eat! The celebration is a blessing for a happy, prosperous future. Sadly, it originated because many babies did not survive past one in the very early days of Korea when North Korea and South Korea were ruled by dynasties. However, now it is a celebration of life, growing up, and cute, happy babies snacking on fruit!
South Koreans consider their special birthday age important to their culture because age is important in their culture. In fact, age determines how you speak to someone, how you get food with someone and even your friendship with someone! If someone is older than you, you must address them with formal Korean, call them -sshi or -sunbaenim after you say their name, pour water for them, and even serve them food first! It is considered very rude to not follow this tradition. Sounds pretty nice to be older, right? However, older friends may return the favor by making sure you eat first or pour you some water, too! As long as you are formal and nice to everyone, then everyone ends up happy in the end! The tradition of aging helps keep the environment of South Korea special from respect to older people to greetings alike! Even if someone is in the same grade as you, you are expected to be respectful and formal to them. Age, in any situation, will be the most important question asked of you. Do you want to know your Korean age? Let's do the math!
1+ Current Year (2019) - The Year You Were Born
