Most Common Korean Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common Korean last names? This article provides an in-depth look at the top Korean surnames, exploring their origins, meanings, and cultural significance. Discover the rich tapestry of Korean family history through these frequently encountered names.
1. Kim (김): Gold, metal, or a person's name (meaning "strong"). This is the most common Korean last name, representing a significant portion of the Korean population.

2. Lee (이): Plum or pear tree. The second most common Korean last name, "Lee" is often associated with strong leadership qualities and wisdom.

3. Park (박): Gourd or squash. Known for its practicality and resilience, "Park" is a popular Korean surname that often reflects a down-to-earth and resourceful nature.

4. Choi (최): Best or supreme. The fourth most common Korean last name, "Choi" denotes excellence and high achievement, symbolizing ambition and leadership.

5. Jeong (정): Correctness, righteousness, or a person's name. "Jeong" is a common Korean last name that symbolizes integrity, fairness, and moral uprightness.

6. Kang (강): Strong or powerful. "Kang" is a Korean last name representing strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.

7. Yoon (윤): Brightness or shining. "Yoon" is a Korean last name associated with brilliance, intelligence, and an optimistic outlook.

8. Kim (김): A person's name, meaning "strong". This last name signifies strength, determination, and a strong will.

9. Cho (조): Ancestor or lineage. "Cho" is a Korean last name that represents a deep connection to family history and tradition.

10. Oh (오): Five. "Oh" is a Korean last name associated with completion, harmony, and the cycle of life.

11. Shin (신): New or fresh. "Shin" is a Korean last name that symbolizes progress, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach.

12. Han (한): One or unity. "Han" is a Korean last name representing unity, togetherness, and a sense of belonging.

13. Yang (양): Sheep or lamb. "Yang" is a Korean last name associated with gentleness, peacefulness, and a kind heart.

14. Seo (서): West or book. "Seo" is a Korean last name that signifies a love of knowledge, learning, and intellectual pursuits.

15. Moon (문): Door or gate. "Moon" is a Korean last name representing opportunity, access, and the potential for new beginnings.

16. Son (손): Hand or palm. "Son" is a Korean last name that symbolizes skill, craftsmanship, and the ability to create.

17. Jeon (전): All or whole. "Jeon" is a Korean last name representing completeness, unity, and a sense of wholeness.

18. Ryu (류): Flow or stream. "Ryu" is a Korean last name associated with fluidity, adaptability, and a smooth and graceful approach.

19. Hong (홍): Red or rose. "Hong" is a Korean last name that signifies passion, vitality, and a vibrant personality.

20. Bae (배): Pear tree. "Bae" is a Korean last name associated with elegance, grace, and a refined sense of style.

21. Kim (김): A person's name, meaning "strong". This last name signifies strength, determination, and a strong will.

22. Jeong (정): Correctness, righteousness, or a person's name. "Jeong" is a common Korean last name that symbolizes integrity, fairness, and moral uprightness.

23. Kang (강): Strong or powerful. "Kang" is a Korean last name representing strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.

24. Kim (김): A person's name, meaning "strong". This last name signifies strength, determination, and a strong will.

25. Lee (이): Plum or pear tree. The second most common Korean last name, "Lee" is often associated with strong leadership qualities and wisdom.

26. Park (박): Gourd or squash. Known for its practicality and resilience, "Park" is a popular Korean surname that often reflects a down-to-earth and resourceful nature.

27. Choi (최): Best or supreme. The fourth most common Korean last name, "Choi" denotes excellence and high achievement, symbolizing ambition and leadership.

28. Kim (김): Gold, metal, or a person's name (meaning "strong"). This is the most common Korean last name, representing a significant portion of the Korean population.

29. Yoon (윤): Brightness or shining. "Yoon" is a Korean last name associated with brilliance, intelligence, and an optimistic outlook.

30. Kim (김): A person's name, meaning "strong". This last name signifies strength, determination, and a strong will.

31. Cho (조): Ancestor or lineage. "Cho" is a Korean last name that represents a deep connection to family history and tradition.

32. Oh (오): Five. "Oh" is a Korean last name associated with completion, harmony, and the cycle of life.

33. Shin (신): New or fresh. "Shin" is a Korean last name that symbolizes progress, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach.

34. Han (한): One or unity. "Han" is a Korean last name representing unity, togetherness, and a sense of belonging.

35. Yang (양): Sheep or lamb. "Yang" is a Korean last name associated with gentleness, peacefulness, and a kind heart.

36. Seo (서): West or book. "Seo" is a Korean last name that signifies a love of knowledge, learning, and intellectual pursuits.

37. Moon (문): Door or gate. "Moon" is a Korean last name representing opportunity, access, and the potential for new beginnings.

38. Son (손): Hand or palm. "Son" is a Korean last name that symbolizes skill, craftsmanship, and the ability to create.

39. Jeon (전): All or whole. "Jeon" is a Korean last name representing completeness, unity, and a sense of wholeness.

40. Ryu (류): Flow or stream. "Ryu" is a Korean last name associated with fluidity, adaptability, and a smooth and graceful approach.