Common Korean Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Korean last names, often referred to as surnames, are an integral part of Korean culture and identity. Understanding the origins and meanings of these names provides insight into Korean history and societal structure. While there are many unique last names in Korea, a small number account for a significant portion of the population. This comprehensive guide delves into the most common Korean last names, exploring their origins, historical significance, and unique meanings.
1. Kim (김): "Gold" or "metal," symbolizing preciousness and strength. This is the most common last name in Korea, representing a significant portion of the population.
2. Lee (이): "Plum" or "peach," representing prosperity, longevity, and beauty. It is the second most common surname in Korea.
3. Park (박): "Gourd," symbolizing abundance, fertility, and protection.
4. Choi (최): "Best" or "supreme," representing excellence, leadership, and achievement.
5. Jung (정): "Correctness" or "righteousness," symbolizing uprightness, integrity, and moral principles.
6. Kang (강): "Strong" or "river," symbolizing power, perseverance, and flowing energy.
7. Yoon (윤): "Polished" or "bright," representing clarity, intelligence, and refinement.
8. Han (한): "One" or "single," representing unity, singularity, and individuality.
9. Kim (김): "Metal" or "gold," representing strength, value, and preciousness.
10. Song (송): "Pine" or "song," symbolizing resilience, longevity, and steadfastness.
11. Oh (오): "Five" or "great," representing greatness, completeness, and abundance.
12. Shin (신): "God" or "spirit," representing divinity, inspiration, and spiritual power.
13. Kwon (권): "Authority" or "power," representing leadership, influence, and control.
14. Yoo (유): "Flowing" or "floating," representing freedom, flexibility, and adaptability.
15. Seo (서): "West" or "book," representing knowledge, wisdom, and literary pursuits.
16. Cho (조): "Bird" or "ancestor," representing freedom, communication, and lineage.
17. Bae (배): "Pear" or "ship," representing sweetness, prosperity, and journey.
18. Jang (장): "General" or "leader," representing strength, leadership, and authority.
19. Lim (림): "Forest" or "edge," representing nature, peace, and tranquility.
20. Hwang (황): "Yellow" or "emperor," representing royalty, power, and prosperity.
21. Ryu (류): "Dragon" or "flow," representing power, strength, and transformation.
22. Jeon (전): "Front" or "battlefield," representing leadership, courage, and resilience.
23. Yang (양): "Sheep" or "abundance," representing gentleness, prosperity, and fertility.
24. Moon (문): "Gate" or "door," representing opportunity, passage, and connection.
25. Kim (김): "Metal" or "gold," representing strength, value, and preciousness.
26. Lee (이): "Plum" or "peach," representing prosperity, longevity, and beauty.
27. Park (박): "Gourd," symbolizing abundance, fertility, and protection.
28. Choi (최): "Best" or "supreme," representing excellence, leadership, and achievement.
29. Jung (정): "Correctness" or "righteousness," symbolizing uprightness, integrity, and moral principles.
30. Kang (강): "Strong" or "river," symbolizing power, perseverance, and flowing energy.
31. Yoon (윤): "Polished" or "bright," representing clarity, intelligence, and refinement.
32. Han (한): "One" or "single," representing unity, singularity, and individuality.
33. Song (송): "Pine" or "song," symbolizing resilience, longevity, and steadfastness.
34. Oh (오): "Five" or "great," representing greatness, completeness, and abundance.
35. Shin (신): "God" or "spirit," representing divinity, inspiration, and spiritual power.
36. Kwon (권): "Authority" or "power," representing leadership, influence, and control.
37. Yoo (유): "Flowing" or "floating," representing freedom, flexibility, and adaptability.
38. Seo (서): "West" or "book," representing knowledge, wisdom, and literary pursuits.
39. Cho (조): "Bird" or "ancestor," representing freedom, communication, and lineage.
40. Bae (배): "Pear" or "ship," representing sweetness, prosperity, and journey.