Legal Ages in South Korea

The age you become an adult in South Korea, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority 19 Voting age 18 Driving age 18 Drinking age 19 Marriage age 18

Age of majority in South Korea

You are an adult at 19.

Voting age in South Korea

You can vote at 18.

Driving age in South Korea

You need to be 18 for a car licence. Motorcycles up to 125cc are allowed from 16.

Drinking age in South Korea

You can buy alcohol from 1 January of the year you turn 19.

Marriage age in South Korea

You can marry at 18 with your parents’ consent and at 19 without it.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you.

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in South Korea

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

Korean public holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.