Common Korean Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most frequent surnames in Korea? This comprehensive list explores the top Korean last names, delving into their fascinating history, cultural significance, and detailed meanings. Whether you're learning about Korean culture, connecting with your Korean heritage, or simply fascinated by names, this guide provides a wealth of information on common Korean last names.
1. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, or a type of precious stone. It is the most common last name in Korea, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

2. **Lee (이)**: Plum or prune tree. The second most common last name in Korea, it signifies beauty, longevity, and elegance.

3. **Park (박)**: Melon or gourd. This name is often associated with abundance, growth, and harvest.

4. **Choi (최)**: Best, excellent, or superior. This last name implies excellence, achievement, and leadership.

5. **Jung (정)**: Correct, upright, or just. The name represents integrity, righteousness, and moral virtue.

6. **Kang (강)**: Strong, powerful, or river. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and perseverance.

7. **Yoo (유)**: Flowing, smooth, or graceful. It signifies fluidity, elegance, and adaptability.

8. **Shin (신)**: New, fresh, or god. This name represents renewal, innovation, and divine connection.

9. **Yang (양)**: Sheep, lamb, or abundance. It signifies prosperity, peace, and gentle nature.

10. **Moon (문)**: Door, gate, or literature. It represents opportunity, knowledge, and cultural enrichment.

11. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, or a type of precious stone. It is the most common last name in Korea, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

12. **Lee (이)**: Plum or prune tree. The second most common last name in Korea, it signifies beauty, longevity, and elegance.

13. **Park (박)**: Melon or gourd. This name is often associated with abundance, growth, and harvest.

14. **Choi (최)**: Best, excellent, or superior. This last name implies excellence, achievement, and leadership.

15. **Jung (정)**: Correct, upright, or just. The name represents integrity, righteousness, and moral virtue.

16. **Kang (강)**: Strong, powerful, or river. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and perseverance.

17. **Yoo (유)**: Flowing, smooth, or graceful. It signifies fluidity, elegance, and adaptability.

18. **Shin (신)**: New, fresh, or god. This name represents renewal, innovation, and divine connection.

19. **Yang (양)**: Sheep, lamb, or abundance. It signifies prosperity, peace, and gentle nature.

20. **Moon (문)**: Door, gate, or literature. It represents opportunity, knowledge, and cultural enrichment.

21. **Han (한)**: One, single, or cold. This name signifies unity, individuality, and resilience in challenging times.

22. **Oh (오)**: Five, five-fold, or mistake. It represents completeness, multiplicity, and overcoming errors.

23. **Seo (서)**: West, western, or books. It signifies direction, knowledge, and literary pursuits.

24. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, or a type of precious stone. It is the most common last name in Korea, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

25. **Lee (이)**: Plum or prune tree. The second most common last name in Korea, it signifies beauty, longevity, and elegance.

26. **Park (박)**: Melon or gourd. This name is often associated with abundance, growth, and harvest.

27. **Choi (최)**: Best, excellent, or superior. This last name implies excellence, achievement, and leadership.

28. **Jung (정)**: Correct, upright, or just. The name represents integrity, righteousness, and moral virtue.

29. **Kang (강)**: Strong, powerful, or river. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and perseverance.

30. **Yoo (유)**: Flowing, smooth, or graceful. It signifies fluidity, elegance, and adaptability.

31. **Shin (신)**: New, fresh, or god. This name represents renewal, innovation, and divine connection.

32. **Yang (양)**: Sheep, lamb, or abundance. It signifies prosperity, peace, and gentle nature.

33. **Moon (문)**: Door, gate, or literature. It represents opportunity, knowledge, and cultural enrichment.

34. **Han (한)**: One, single, or cold. This name signifies unity, individuality, and resilience in challenging times.

35. **Oh (오)**: Five, five-fold, or mistake. It represents completeness, multiplicity, and overcoming errors.

36. **Seo (서)**: West, western, or books. It signifies direction, knowledge, and literary pursuits.

37. **Cho (조)**: Bird, ancestor, or dynasty. This name symbolizes freedom, heritage, and lineage.

38. **Baek (백)**: White, hundred, or purity. It signifies innocence, purity, and completeness.

39. **Son (손)**: Hand, skill, or dexterity. It represents craftsmanship, ability, and proficiency.

40. **Jeon (전)**: All, entire, or war. This name signifies totality, completeness, and bravery.