🎎 LIFESTYLE: Simple Yet Profound. How To Donate Blood In Korea
🪩 CELEBRATIONS: January
How old are you?
3... 2... 1...
Did you just mention your birth year?
The new year has arrived; it's time to update yourself until the next one. This letter will help you prevent any confusion.
1️⃣What Happened Last Year
Koreans officially became a year or two younger last year after the government changed the traditional age-counting system. The "Korean age" system, in which infants are considered one year old at birth and gain an additional year every January 1, has transitioned to an international standard. This change aims to eliminate confusion for both foreigners in Korea and Koreans residing abroad. However, making this change work in everyday life is turning out to be a bit tricky.
2️⃣ Counting Years to Shape the Culture
The whole concept of age is deeply embedded in the Korean language and Korean culture. South Korea is the only country that follows this practice. We refer to it in the "present tense" because it has only been six months since its implementation, and it's clear that it will take some time for everyone to get used to it. In Korean culture, how old you are matters a lot, much more than in Europe or the USA. Your age affects not just whether you can buy things like cigarettes and alcohol but also how you're expected to act in social situations. Younger people are supposed to pour drinks, and older people are expected to pay for things.
This change might affect how Koreans perceive their relationships, but it will take a while for people to get used to the new way of counting ages. We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out.
3️⃣ 2024 Update: Korean Age Chart
Checkyourageforthisyear and sharethisreferencetablewithyourfriends.
The “age turning this year” remains relevant for key areas such as school year eligibility, compulsory military service, and legal drinking and smoking. The age turning this year takes effect from January 1st annually.
Simple Yet Profound. How To Donate Blood In Korea
South Korea supports community health initiatives, and one of the most impactful ways individuals can contribute is through blood donation. This opportunity is not limited to locals; foreigners can participate as well. Moreover, it comes with benefits. Here are some checkpoints on how to do it:
1. Check eligibility for foreigners
Have stayed in Korea for more than a year.
Have not traveled overseas within 1 month.
Have a valid ID card.
2. Make an appointment at the blood center close to you
There is an app for convenient time slot reservation, but it may encounter an error if your legal name is more than 20 characters long. In this case, the Red Cross suggests making an appointment in person or via email at bloodinternational@redcross.or.kr
3. Write a blood donation record card, undergo a blood test, and choose between whole blood and platelets and plasma donation
4. Take a rest for about 15-20 minutes after donation
5. Receive your appreciation gift and blood certificate
The gifts may very, but movie tickets are the most popular.
Blood centers face a challenging month in January when it comes to collecting donations. Contributing factors include a decline in donations during the holiday season, inclement weather, and an increased number of people falling ill. A single blood donation can help as many as three persons in need. Let us know if you want to learn more about social initiatives in Korea.
Something to Celebrate
The National Hangover Day, Jan 1, has passed, but we have a lot more to celebrate in January, if the holiday season was not enough. The Funday Team has chosen our favorite holidays of the month. Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating them.
As we go through January, remember, age is just a number! There's something to celebrate every day. When you donate, you're helping someone celebrate life too!
See you in the next newsletter.
Until then, here's to joy and all the little celebrations that make life great! 🌟🥂
