Why a lunar birthday moves
A lunar month follows the moon and lasts about 29.5 days. Twelve lunar months are about 11 days shorter than a solar year. A leap month (윤달) is added every two or three years to catch up. So a lunar birthday drifts earlier each year and then jumps later after a leap month, usually within a window of about a month.
Korean holidays follow the same calendar. Seollal (Lunar New Year) is lunar 1/1, and Chuseok is lunar 8/15.
| Lunar date | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/1 Seollal (설날) | Feb 17 | Feb 7 | Jan 27 |
| 8/15 Chuseok (추석) | Sep 25 | Sep 15 | Oct 3 |
Lunar or solar? How to ask
If you are not sure which calendar the family uses, ask 음력이에요, 양력이에요? ("Is it lunar or solar?"). 음력 means lunar and 양력 means solar. Younger Koreans mostly use the solar date on their ID card. Many parents and grandparents still celebrate the lunar date.
Timing flower delivery
- Online orders can be delivered from the next day, Korea time (UTC+9). Korea is ahead of the Americas and Europe, so an evening order at home is often already the next day in Korea.
- Order two or three days before the birthday and choose the birthday itself as the delivery date.
- Deliveries run from 9 AM to 8 PM. For delivery before 10 AM, order at least 20 hours ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Korean parent's birthday change every year?
They probably celebrate on the lunar calendar. The same lunar date lands on a different solar date each year.
What if the lunar birthday is the 30th and this year's month has only 29 days?
Families usually celebrate on the last day of that month, the 29th. Check with the family, since some choose the next day.
What about a birthday in a leap month (윤달)?
A leap month repeats a month number only in some years. Someone born in a leap month usually celebrates in the regular month with the same number.
Send birthday flowers for the right day. Choose a bouquet or a flower basket, with a free card in English or Korean. For more on birthdays in Korea, see Korean birthday culture.