South Korean last names originate from a small set of single-syllable clan names that have great meaning and history behind them. These surnames convey the family's ancestral clan and shared heritage. The most common South Korean last names include Kim, Lee, and Park, which comprise over half of family names used in South Korea. It is also common for women to keep their surnames after marriage instead of adopting their husband's name.
Kim - Kim means "gold" in Korean, and is among the most frequently used Korean last names. This likely originates from the ancient clan name 'Kyerim', representing "skilled" or "outstanding". It is the most common last name in South Korea, representing about 22 percent of the population. Kim is 김 (gim) in Korean.
Lee - Lee arises from the clan and place name Yee. It represents strength and new ideas, and is linked to early Koreans near a mountain by this name. Lee is the second most popular family name, with over 14 percent of Koreans carrying it. The Korean spelling is 이 (i).
Park - Park signifies an open space for all to gather, a meaning retained in its English usage. Its roots are in the Korean word 'Bak', referring to an area where people meet, similar to a town square. Park is the third most frequently used last name, adopted by nearly 8 percent of Koreans. It is 박 (bak) in the Korean language.
Choi - Choi stems from the surname of Korea's first ruling dynasty, the Choe clan of 1,500 years ago. It held high status as a result, leading many to take on this last name. Choi represents nobility, wealth, and prestige. It is the fourth most common surname in modern Korea. In Korean characters, Choi is 최 (choe).
Jung - Jung means "middle" and represents balance and neutrality. It arises from the clan name Zhang and ancient ruling class. Many descendants of government officers adopted this popular surname. It is the fifth most common Korean surname, though represents just 3 percent of Koreans. The Korean spelling is 정 (jeong).
Kang - Kang means "river" and stems from those living near the Kangwon province and its many rivers. It represents strength and life. Kang is 강 (gang) in Korean.
Yoon - Yoon means "allow" or "permit", arising from an administrative clan granting permissions. It signifies wisdom and care. Yoon is 윤 (yun) in the Korean language.
Ko - Ko means "high" or "tall" in Korean. It arises from those living on hills and represents status and greater heights. The Korean spelling is 고 (go).
Ha - Ha comes from the word for "many", as this clan grew significantly larger over time, indicating prosperity and abundance. It is 하 (ha) in Korean letters.
Ma - Ma represents hemp fabric and the families who wove it for trade. It means skillfulness and craftsmanship. Ma is 마 (ma) in Korean script.
Jo - Jo originates from the name of an early region, indicating settled life and history. It means prosperity through hard work. The Korean spelling is 조 (jo).
Hwang - Hwang means "yellow" and signifies bright light similar to the sun. It represents vibrance and energy. It is 황 (hwang) in Korean.
Han - Han refers to Korea's Han River and region, symbolizing unity and loyalty to one's homeland. It is 한 (han) in the Korean alphabet.
Kwon - Kwon means "authority" or "power", arising from noble clans and kings. It represents leadership and influence. In Korea, it is spelled 권 (gwon).
Yoo - Yoo from Yu, an ancient honorific title meaning graceful and kind-hearted. It is 유 (yu) in Korean letters.
Koo - Koo means "thorn" in Korean, representing strong defense like a fortified wall. The Korean spelling is 구 (gu).
Kang - Kang means "healthy and strong" in Korean. It signifies vitality, wellness and resilience in spirit. Kang is 康 (kang) in Korean characters.
Pak - Pak means "plain or tableland" and arises from those living on flat lands perfect for farming. It represents humility and diligence. In Korean it is 朴 (bak).
Seo - Seo is linked to the ancient Chinese name Xu, representing learned philosophy and knowledge seeking. The Korean letters are 徐 (seo).
Ku - Ku stems from a clan name meaning "mouth" or "front", signifying leadership and representativeness. It is 구 (gu) in Korean spelling.
Baek - Baek means "bright" or "white" in Korean, symbolizing that which is good, pure, and hopeful like the white light of dawn. It is 백 (baeg) in Korean.
Lee - Another Lee surname arising from village groups with shared principles and serving the public good. This Lee is written as 李 (i) in Korean.
Na - Na represents fields and farming families who cultivated crops to feed their people. It signifies provision and abundance. The Korean spelling is 나 (na).
Huh - Huh originated from early Korea's Heo or Hurh clan, indicating travel and exploration beyond one's home region. It signifies adventure and discovery. Huh is 허 (heo) in Korean.
Yang - Yang signifies the sun and its enveloping, life-giving warmth. It represents positivity, energy, leadership. It is 양 (yang) in Korean letters.
Kim - A variant Kim surname meaning "gold" and representing value along with outstanding character and virtue. This Kim is written as 金 (geum) in Korean.
Yun - Yun signifies luck or fate, originating from those who foretold prophecy and events to come. It represents wisdom and vision for the future. The Korean spelling is尹 (yun).
Bae - Bae arises from Paek, an ancient capital city known for culture and heritage. It indicates creativity and artistry. In Korean characters, Bae is 裵 (bae).
Cheon - Cheon stems from lordly clans owning much land and property. It signifies abundance and prosperity today. The Korean spelling is 千 (cheon).
Nam - Nam means Southern direction, representing families migrating south to find their fortunes. It signifies opportunities to be grasped. Nam is南 (nam) in Korean letters.
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