Korean Last Names and Their Meanings: A Comprehensive Guide

Korean last names, also known as 성 (seong), are an integral part of Korean identity and culture. Understanding their meanings can provide insights into the history, values, and aspirations of individuals and families. This comprehensive guide explores the rich tapestry of Korean surnames, offering detailed explanations of their origins, symbolism, and cultural significance.
1. **Kim (김):** One of the most common Korean last names, Kim is believed to have originated from the ancient kingdom of Jin (金), with the character meaning "gold" or "metal." It symbolizes wealth, power, and prosperity.

2. **Lee (이):** Another prevalent surname, Lee is derived from the character "Yi" (李), meaning "plum tree." It signifies longevity, peace, and a gentle, refined nature.

3. **Park (박):** Stemming from the character "Bak" (朴), meaning "simple" or "unadorned," Park represents humility, sincerity, and a down-to-earth personality.

4. **Choi (최):** With origins in the character "Choe" (崔), meaning "highest" or "tallest," Choi symbolizes ambition, leadership, and striving for excellence.

5. **Jung (정):** Derived from the character "Jeong" (鄭), meaning "correctness" or "righteousness," Jung signifies integrity, justice, and a strong moral compass.

6. **Kang (강):** Originating from the character "Gang" (姜), meaning "ginger," Kang symbolizes strength, vitality, and resilience.

7. **Yoo (유):** Based on the character "Yu" (柳), meaning "willow tree," Yoo represents grace, flexibility, and adaptability.

8. **Shin (신):** Stemming from the character "Sin" (申), meaning "to extend" or "to spread," Shin symbolizes expansion, growth, and progress.

9. **Oh (오):** Derived from the character "O" (吳), meaning "five," Oh signifies completeness, harmony, and a balanced life.

10. **Yoon (윤):** Based on the character "Yun" (尹), meaning "cloud," Yoon symbolizes peace, tranquility, and a serene disposition.

11. **Han (한):** Originating from the character "Han" (韓), meaning "Korea," Han represents national pride, patriotism, and a deep connection to one's heritage.

12. **Baek (백):** Derived from the character "Baek" (白), meaning "white," Baek symbolizes purity, innocence, and a clean slate.

13. **Son (손):** Stemming from the character "Son" (孫), meaning "grandson," Son signifies family, lineage, and continuity.

14. **Seo (서):** Based on the character "Seo" (徐), meaning "slow" or "leisurely," Seo represents patience, calmness, and a measured approach to life.

15. **Yang (양):** Originating from the character "Yang" (楊), meaning "willow tree," Yang symbolizes grace, flexibility, and adaptability.

16. **Moon (문):** Derived from the character "Mun" (文), meaning "literature" or "culture," Moon signifies intelligence, creativity, and artistic talent.

17. **Kim (김):** A variant of the Kim surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Gim" (金), meaning "golden." It carries the same connotations of wealth and prosperity.

18. **Cho (조):** Originating from the character "Jo" (趙), meaning "to assist" or "to help," Cho symbolizes support, loyalty, and dedication.

19. **Jeong (정):** A variation of the Jung surname, this one refers specifically to the character "Jeong" (鄭), meaning "correctness" or "righteousness." It emphasizes the virtues of integrity and justice.

20. **Jeon (전):** Stemming from the character "Jeon" (田), meaning "field," Jeon symbolizes abundance, fertility, and a life sustained by hard work.

21. **Lee (이):** Another variant of the Lee surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Yi" (李), meaning "plum tree." It emphasizes the connotations of longevity, peace, and refinement.

22. **Park (박):** A variation of the Park surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Bak" (朴), meaning "simple" or "unadorned." It emphasizes the values of humility and sincerity.

23. **Choi (최):** A variant of the Choi surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Choe" (崔), meaning "highest" or "tallest." It emphasizes ambition and striving for excellence.

24. **Kang (강):** A variation of the Kang surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Gang" (姜), meaning "ginger." It emphasizes strength, vitality, and resilience.

25. **Yoo (유):** A variation of the Yoo surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Yu" (柳), meaning "willow tree." It emphasizes grace, flexibility, and adaptability.

26. **Shin (신):** A variation of the Shin surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Sin" (申), meaning "to extend" or "to spread." It emphasizes expansion, growth, and progress.

27. **Oh (오):** A variation of the Oh surname, this one specifically refers to the character "O" (吳), meaning "five." It emphasizes completeness, harmony, and a balanced life.

28. **Yoon (윤):** A variation of the Yoon surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Yun" (尹), meaning "cloud." It emphasizes peace, tranquility, and a serene disposition.

29. **Han (한):** A variation of the Han surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Han" (韓), meaning "Korea." It emphasizes national pride, patriotism, and connection to heritage.

30. **Baek (백):** A variation of the Baek surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Baek" (白), meaning "white." It emphasizes purity, innocence, and a clean slate.

31. **Son (손):** A variation of the Son surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Son" (孫), meaning "grandson." It emphasizes family, lineage, and continuity.

32. **Seo (서):** A variation of the Seo surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Seo" (徐), meaning "slow" or "leisurely." It emphasizes patience, calmness, and a measured approach to life.

33. **Yang (양):** A variation of the Yang surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Yang" (楊), meaning "willow tree." It emphasizes grace, flexibility, and adaptability.

34. **Moon (문):** A variation of the Moon surname, this one specifically refers to the character "Mun" (文), meaning "literature" or "culture." It emphasizes intelligence, creativity, and artistic talent.

35. **Go (고):** Stemming from the character "Go" (高), meaning "high" or "tall," Go symbolizes ambition, achievement, and a strive for excellence.

36. **Hwang (황):** Derived from the character "Hwang" (黃), meaning "yellow," Hwang symbolizes royalty, nobility, and a distinguished lineage.

37. **Na (나):** Based on the character "Na" (羅), meaning "silk" or "net," Na represents refinement, elegance, and a delicate nature.

38. **Noh (노):** Originating from the character "Noh" (盧), meaning "a type of tree," Noh symbolizes strength, resilience, and a steadfast spirit.

39. **Ahn (안):** Derived from the character "An" (安), meaning "peace" or "safety," Ahn signifies tranquility, security, and a peaceful disposition.

40. **Seong (성):** Stemming from the character "Seong" (成), meaning "to become" or "to succeed," Seong symbolizes growth, achievement, and success in life.