Commentary Korea Last Names: Common Surnames and Their Significance

Seeking insight into common last names in Korea? This article delves into the intriguing world of Korean surnames, exploring their prevalence, historical origins, and cultural significance. From the most frequent to the lesser-known, we'll uncover the stories behind these names that have shaped Korean identity.
1. Kim: One of the most prevalent surnames in Korea, Kim traces its roots back to the ancient kingdom of Silla. It is believed to be derived from the name of the kingdom's founder, Kim Alji.
2. Park: Ranking second in frequency, Park also has a long history in Korea, with origins connected to the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The name is thought to have originated from the Korean word "bak," meaning "gourd."
3. Choi: With a significant presence in Korean society, Choi is another surname with deep historical roots. It is believed to have originated from the name of the ancient kingdom of Baekje, with "choi" meaning "highest" or "best."
4. Lee: One of the most common surnames in Korea, Lee is derived from the name of the founder of the Joseon dynasty, Yi Seong-gye. It is often associated with leadership and historical significance.
5. Jung: A common surname in Korea, Jung is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with strength and determination.
6. Kang: A widely spread surname in Korea, Kang has a connection to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "gang," meaning "river."
7. Yoon: A prominent surname in Korea, Yoon is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with integrity and loyalty.
7. Han: A notable surname in Korea, Han has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Silla. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "han," meaning "one."
8. Yang: A common surname in Korea, Yang has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Baekje. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "yang," meaning "sheep."
9. Oh: A prevalent surname in Korea, Oh is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with wisdom and intelligence.
10. Shin: A notable surname in Korea, Shin is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Joseon dynasty. It is often associated with creativity and innovation.
11. Kwon: A common surname in Korea, Kwon has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "kwon," meaning "authority."
12. Kim: With a significant presence in Korean society, Kim is another surname with deep historical roots. It is believed to have originated from the name of the ancient kingdom of Silla, with "kim" meaning "golden."
13. Song: A widely spread surname in Korea, Song has a connection to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "song," meaning "pine tree."
14. Bae: A common surname in Korea, Bae has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Baekje. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "bae," meaning "pear."
15. Yoo: A prevalent surname in Korea, Yoo is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with kindness and compassion.
16. Na: A notable surname in Korea, Na is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Joseon dynasty. It is often associated with perseverance and hard work.
17. Jang: A common surname in Korea, Jang has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "jang," meaning "general."
18. Seo: A widely spread surname in Korea, Seo has a connection to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "seo," meaning "west."
19. Go: A common surname in Korea, Go has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Baekje. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "go," meaning "high."
20. Noh: A prevalent surname in Korea, Noh is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with humor and wit.
21. Cho: A notable surname in Korea, Cho is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Joseon dynasty. It is often associated with leadership and vision.
22. Byeon: A common surname in Korea, Byeon has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "byeon," meaning "change."
23. Heo: A widely spread surname in Korea, Heo has a connection to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "heo," meaning "tiger."
24. Sim: A common surname in Korea, Sim has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Baekje. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "sim," meaning "heart."
25. Seong: A prevalent surname in Korea, Seong is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with creativity and artistry.
26. Ji: A notable surname in Korea, Ji is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Joseon dynasty. It is often associated with knowledge and wisdom.
27. Jeong: A common surname in Korea, Jeong has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "jeong," meaning "justice."
28. Moon: A widely spread surname in Korea, Moon has a connection to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "moon," meaning "moon."
29. Choi: A common surname in Korea, Choi has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Baekje. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "choi," meaning "highest."
30. Nam: A prevalent surname in Korea, Nam is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with kindness and generosity.
31. Cha: A notable surname in Korea, Cha is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Joseon dynasty. It is often associated with strength and determination.
32. Jeon: A common surname in Korea, Jeon has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "jeon," meaning "all."
33. Jo: A widely spread surname in Korea, Jo has a connection to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "jo," meaning "bird."
34. Lee: A common surname in Korea, Lee is derived from the name of the founder of the Joseon dynasty, Yi Seong-gye. It is often associated with leadership and historical significance.
35. Park: Ranking second in frequency, Park also has a long history in Korea, with origins connected to the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The name is thought to have originated from the Korean word "bak," meaning "gourd."
36. Kim: One of the most prevalent surnames in Korea, Kim traces its roots back to the ancient kingdom of Silla. It is believed to be derived from the name of the kingdom's founder, Kim Alji.
37. Yoon: A prominent surname in Korea, Yoon is believed to have originated from the name of a powerful clan in the Goryeo dynasty. It is often associated with integrity and loyalty.
38. Choi: With a significant presence in Korean society, Choi is another surname with deep historical roots. It is believed to have originated from the name of the ancient kingdom of Baekje, with "choi" meaning "highest" or "best."
39. Jang: A common surname in Korea, Jang has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "jang," meaning "general."
40. Han: A notable surname in Korea, Han has a history connected to the ancient kingdom of Silla. It is thought to have originated from the Korean word "han," meaning "one."