Most Common Korean Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common Korean last names? This comprehensive guide provides a list of the most frequent surnames in Korea, along with their detailed meanings and origins. Understanding these names can offer valuable insights into Korean culture and history, while also aiding in genealogy research and general knowledge. Let's delve into the world of Korean family names and discover the stories behind them.
1. Kim (김): Golden, metal, or a surname related to the king
2. Lee (이): Plum tree, a noble and elegant symbol
3. Park (박): Melon, symbolizing abundance and happiness
4. Choi (최): Best, excellent, or the most respected
5. Jeong (정): Right, upright, or a surname related to the government
6. Kang (강): Strong, powerful, or a river
7. Yoon (윤): Shine, light, or a symbol of prosperity
8. Cho (조): Bird, a symbol of freedom and beauty
9. Kim (김): Metal, a strong and resilient material
10. Han (한): One, unique, or a surname related to the Han Dynasty
11. Oh (오): Five, a number representing completeness
12. Seo (서): West, a direction that symbolizes new beginnings
13. Shin (신): God, spirit, or a surname related to religious figures
14. Baek (백): White, pure, or a symbol of innocence
15. Son (손): Hand, a symbol of strength and skill
16. Jang (장): General, a leader and warrior
17. Hong (홍): Red, a vibrant and auspicious color
18. Yu (유): Flow, a symbol of movement and change
19. Nam (남): South, a direction that represents warmth and growth
20. Ji (지): Wisdom, knowledge, or a symbol of intelligence
21. Na (나): I, me, or a surname related to the individual
22. Go (고): High, elevated, or a surname related to nobility
23. Moon (문): Door, a symbol of opportunity and passage
24. Yang (양): Sheep, a symbol of peace and gentleness
25. Chu (주): Master, lord, or a surname related to leadership
26. Kwon (권): Power, authority, or a symbol of control
27. Noh (노): Old, aged, or a surname related to wisdom
28. Seong (성): Castle, a symbol of strength and protection
29. Ryu (류): Dragon, a mythical creature representing power
30. Byeon (변): Change, transformation, or a surname related to adaptation
31. An (안): Safe, secure, or a surname related to peace
32. Cha (차): Tea, a symbol of hospitality and relaxation
33. Lim (림): Forest, a symbol of nature and tranquility
34. Kim (김): Gold, a precious and valuable metal
35. Hwang (황): Emperor, a ruler with supreme authority
36. Song (송): Pine tree, a symbol of longevity and resilience
37. Kim (김): Metal, a strong and durable material
38. Jeon (전): Field, a place for cultivation and growth
39. Bae (배): Pear, a symbol of sweetness and happiness
40. Lee (이): Plum tree, a symbol of elegance and beauty
41. Kim (김): Metal, a strong and resilient material
42. Yoon (윤): Shine, light, or a symbol of prosperity
43. Choi (최): Best, excellent, or the most respected
44. Park (박): Melon, symbolizing abundance and happiness
45. Kang (강): Strong, powerful, or a river
46. Jeong (정): Right, upright, or a surname related to the government
47. Kim (김): Gold, a precious and valuable metal
48. Lee (이): Plum tree, a symbol of elegance and beauty
49. Park (박): Melon, symbolizing abundance and happiness
50. Choi (최): Best, excellent, or the most respected