The Korean Zodiac, known as “Sibiji” (십이지), is a traditional system based on a 12-year cycle, where each year is represented by an animal sign. These animal signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each one reflects specific personality traits, destinies, and compatibility patterns for those born in that year.
- 🐭 🐮 🐯 🐰 🐲 🐍 🐴 🐐 🐵 🐔 🐶 🐷
Unlike Western astrology, which is based on the position of stars and planets at the time of your birth, the Korean Zodiac uses the lunar calendar and emphasizes the year of birth. For example, someone born in the Year of the Tiger is believed to be brave, competitive, and energetic.
The 12 animals rotate in a fixed order and repeat every twelve years. Many people use this system to understand personal characteristics, determine relationship compatibility, and even choose auspicious dates for important life events.
In modern Korea, the zodiac still plays a role in daily life, especially during the Lunar New Year, when people check their yearly fortunes. Though it’s rooted in ancient Chinese influence, the Korean Zodiac has evolved with local cultural meanings and is now embraced as a uniquely Korean tradition.