As 2025 is only a week away from its starting point, the Year of the Snake in the Korean Zodiac takes center stage. Rooted in the ancient lunar calendar, the Korean Zodiac is composed of 12 animals, each representing a respective year and a time of a repeating cycle. These animals include—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig—and they carry symbolic meanings that vary according to the animal associated.
Although a lot of Koreans indeed put significant emphasis on its value, the zodiac itself is known to have originated from India and was adopted by Korea during the time of the Unified Silla. Childrens are often educated on this seemingly complex custom through an ancient folk story. The story about Dangun, a legendary founder and the first king of the Korean kingdom, racing animals to determine which one would make the first New Year's bow and receive a grand prize. As might have recognized, the order of twelve earthly branches are based on the rank of how animals arrived to Dangun.
In Korea, the Zodiac often shapes personal connections and interactions. With every emerging new year, people consult the zodiac for guidance on relationships, career decisions, or even compatibility in marriage. For instance, the term tte-dong-gáp (띠동갑) refers to people who are 12 years apart in age, based on the 12-year cycle of the Korean Zodiac. If people have the same animal, they are often considered to have similar personalities. This helps people to create instinct connections as some of older generations use this custom when introducing themselves. Still, modern Koreans often view these traditions through a perspective of curiosity rather than strict tradition.
Here are brief overviews of how the concept of 띠동갑 is used on the relationship between loving partners.
Rat Zodiac Make a well matched couple as both are hardworking and family oriented. However, the similar personalities may lead to frequent arguments. | Ox Zodiac May face significant challenges that require patience and resilience to overcome but once overcomed, will last eternally. | Tiger Zodiac Work well as partners in jobs or politics but may face challenges in marriage due to competitiveness. While humor helps ease tensions, financial disputes may also arise from spending habits. |
Rabbit Zodiac Need great understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses for humorous relationships as both tend to be self centered when responsibility is required. | Dragon Zodiac Have similar personalities and life views but often clash due to strong wills and ambition, typically from the women. | Snake Zodiac Both sides understand each other’s complex inner feelings and have similar life rhythms. However, jealousy can ruin everything. |
Horse Zodiac Both partners enjoy an energetic and lively life due to their passion and wit. However, they dislike routine and restrictions, making it difficult to form a solid family life. | Goat Zodiac Relationships tend to be steady and harmonious. Partners can achieve good work results and maintain a harmonious family. | Monkey Zodiac Relationships will remain stable if jealousy and refraining from blaming are avoided during the time of hardship. |
Rooster Zodiac Likely to result in constant conflict and arguments as both sides tend to have overly self-righteous attitudes. Yet, trust and support can strengthen the bond. | Dog Zodiac Strong cooperative bonds that last a lifetime can be formed but may lack practical focus and solutions leading to instability. | Pig Zodiac Both sides share similar characters but may negatively impact each other unless they stay humble and strong. |
Like this, the concept of 띠동갑 offers a unique perspective on relationships, with each animal sign carrying its strengths and challenges. Whether viewed through tradition or curiosity, it continues to bring joy to people and influence how they approach relationships. So next time when you get to meet someone from Korea,, consider introducing yourself with the zodiac sign; it may spark meaningful connections and understandings. Why not search up what year you were born, and what your zodiac animal is?
Works Cited
“National Folk Museum of Korea - 영어 > Collection > Folk Story > the Story of the Twelve Animals of the Korean Zodiac.” Nfm.go.kr, 2024, www.nfm.go.kr/english/subIndex/981.do. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
https://www.facebook.com/CBCKids. “Learn about the Korean Zodiac | PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games | CBC Kids.” Kids’ CBC Olympic Games, www.cbc.ca, 2018, www.cbc.ca/cbckids/olympics/pyeongchang2018/blog/learn-about-the-korean-zodiac. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
블로그인플루언서. “띠동갑끼리 만나면 생기는 일 -띠동갑 궁합-.” 네이버 블로그 | 인플루언서가 몰래 찾는 궁합 잘보는 곳, 더사주, 2019, m.blog.naver.com/themaj/221686354364. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.