In the Korean zodiac, the Rat begins the traditional 12-animal sequence.
Korean zodiac tradition uses the same basic order of 12 animals as the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The system is known in Korea as 띠, or tti, and is commonly used when discussing birth years and age-related cultural traditions.
The Korean sequence is part of a broader East Asian calendrical tradition. The animals correspond to the 12 earthly branches, which are also used in China, Japan, Vietnam, and other countries with related systems. Local customs and pronunciations differ, but the basic order remains closely connected.
The Rat’s first position is also reflected in traditional stories about the zodiac race. In those stories, the Rat wins the contest and therefore stands first, although the legend is a cultural explanation rather than historical evidence.