Under the nation's civil code, individuals attain adulthood at the age of 19.
Historically, the transition to adulthood was marked by traditional ceremonies. For young men, this involved styling their hair in a topknot and donning a gat, a traditional Korean hat. Young women would put their hair up in a chignon and adorn it with a binyeo, an ornamental hairpin.
Contemporary observances often see families offering congratulations and small tokens to their newly adult children. Among peers, it is common to exchange desired items as gifts.
reporter
Cho Bo-hee
jobo@ajupress.com
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