Pronunciation of Korean Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to pronounce Korean names correctly can be a daunting task, but it's crucial for showing respect and proper communication. Korean pronunciation has its own unique set of rules, often differing significantly from English. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of the pronunciation of common Korean names, empowering you to confidently address individuals with accuracy and cultural sensitivity.
1. **Ahn** (안): Peace, safety, calmness
2. **Bae** (배): Pear, pear tree
3. **Cha** (차): Tea, vehicle
4. **Choi** (최): Best, excellent
5. **Chung** (정): Correct, righteous
6. **Han** (한): One, single
7. **Heo** (허): Empty, hollow
8. **Hong** (홍): Red, crimson
9. **Hwang** (황): Yellow, emperor
10. **Im** (임): Temporary, provisional
11. **Jeong** (정): Right, justice
12. **Ji** (지): Wisdom, knowledge
13. **Kim** (김): Gold, metal
14. **Lee** (이): Reason, logic
15. **Lim** (림): Forest, woods
16. **Min** (민): People, citizens
17. **Na** (나): I, me
18. **Oh** (오): Five, fifth
19. **Park** (박): Melon, gourd
20. **Seo** (서): West, western
21. **Shin** (신): New, fresh
22. **Song** (송): Pine tree
23. **Suh** (서): West, western
24. **Yang** (양): Sheep, lamb
25. **Yoo** (유): Flow, fluid
26. **Yun** (윤): Brightness, brilliance
27. **Aeri** (애리): Beloved, cherished
28. **Bo-ra** (보라): Purple, amethyst
29. **Eun-ji** (은지): Grace, favor
30. **Ha-neul** (하늘): Sky, heaven
31. **Hye-jin** (혜진): Wisdom, beauty
32. **Ji-hye** (지혜): Wisdom, intelligence
33. **Ji-su** (지수): Water, knowledge
34. **Jung-hwa** (정화): Purity, purification
35. **Mi-sun** (미선): Beautiful, kind
36. **Seung-hee** (승희): Victory, joy
37. **So-yeon** (소연): Small, elegant
38. **Su-jin** (수진): Water, progress
39. **Yeon-hee** (연희): Year, play
40. **Young-mi** (영미): Eternal, beautiful