Korean Last Names: A Comprehensive List with Meanings

Korean last names are a fascinating part of Korean culture, representing family lineage and history. These names are often passed down through generations and carry unique meanings and significance. Here is a comprehensive list of common Korean last names, along with their detailed meanings and origins.
1. Kim (김): One of the most common Korean last names, Kim is believed to have originated from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It means "gold" or "metal", signifying wealth and prosperity.

2. Park (박): Another widespread surname, Park originates from the Silla Dynasty and means "melon" or "gourd", symbolizing abundance and longevity.

3. Lee (이): The second most common Korean surname, Lee is derived from the Yi Dynasty and means "plum" or "pear tree", representing peace and harmony.

4. Choi (최): Choi is a relatively common last name in Korea and means "best" or "excellent", indicating a desire for success and achievement.

5. Jung (정): Jung, meaning "upright" or "correct", is a respected and commonly used surname, symbolizing integrity and righteousness.

6. Kang (강): Kang means "strong" or "river", reflecting a desire for strength and resilience.

7. Cho (조): Cho is a surname with a long history, meaning "morning" or "early", symbolizing the beginning of a new day and positive energy.

8. Yoon (윤): Yoon, derived from the word for "cloud", symbolizes a peaceful and serene existence.

9. Yang (양): Yang means "sheep" or "lamb", representing gentleness and kindness.

10. Kim (김): Kim, another common surname, is believed to have originated from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It means "gold" or "metal", signifying wealth and prosperity.

11. Han (한): Han, meaning "cold" or "bitter", is a surname that reflects resilience and perseverance in the face of hardship.

12. Seo (서): Seo means "west" or "book", representing knowledge and wisdom.

13. Oh (오): Oh is a surname meaning "five" or "long", symbolizing longevity and abundance.

14. Shin (신): Shin, meaning "god" or "spirit", is a surname that reflects a connection to the divine.

15. Lim (림): Lim is a surname meaning "forest" or "edge", representing tranquility and peace.

16. Kwon (권): Kwon, meaning "authority" or "power", is a surname that symbolizes leadership and influence.

17. Jang (장): Jang, meaning "general" or "leader", is a surname that signifies bravery and strength.

18. Baek (백): Baek, meaning "white" or "hundred", represents purity and a desire for a long life.

19. Son (손): Son, meaning "hand" or "gift", is a surname that signifies skill and talent.

20. Moon (문): Moon, meaning "gate" or "door", represents opportunity and new beginnings.

21. Ryu (류): Ryu means "dragon" or "stream", symbolizing power and strength.

22. Na (나): Na means "I" or "me", representing individuality and self-reliance.

23. Go (고): Go means "high" or "noble", symbolizing aspiration and achievement.

24. Kim (김): Kim, another common surname, is believed to have originated from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It means "gold" or "metal", signifying wealth and prosperity.

25. Lee (이): Lee, the second most common Korean surname, is derived from the Yi Dynasty and means "plum" or "pear tree", representing peace and harmony.

26. Park (박): Park, another widespread surname, originates from the Silla Dynasty and means "melon" or "gourd", symbolizing abundance and longevity.

27. Choi (최): Choi is a relatively common last name in Korea and means "best" or "excellent", indicating a desire for success and achievement.

28. Jung (정): Jung, meaning "upright" or "correct", is a respected and commonly used surname, symbolizing integrity and righteousness.

29. Kang (강): Kang means "strong" or "river", reflecting a desire for strength and resilience.

30. Cho (조): Cho is a surname with a long history, meaning "morning" or "early", symbolizing the beginning of a new day and positive energy.

31. Yoon (윤): Yoon, derived from the word for "cloud", symbolizes a peaceful and serene existence.

32. Yang (양): Yang means "sheep" or "lamb", representing gentleness and kindness.

33. Han (한): Han, meaning "cold" or "bitter", is a surname that reflects resilience and perseverance in the face of hardship.

34. Seo (서): Seo means "west" or "book", representing knowledge and wisdom.

35. Oh (오): Oh is a surname meaning "five" or "long", symbolizing longevity and abundance.

36. Shin (신): Shin, meaning "god" or "spirit", is a surname that reflects a connection to the divine.

37. Lim (림): Lim is a surname meaning "forest" or "edge", representing tranquility and peace.

38. Kwon (권): Kwon, meaning "authority" or "power", is a surname that symbolizes leadership and influence.

39. Jang (장): Jang, meaning "general" or "leader", is a surname that signifies bravery and strength.

40. Baek (백): Baek, meaning "white" or "hundred", represents purity and a desire for a long life.

41. Son (손): Son, meaning "hand" or "gift", is a surname that signifies skill and talent.

42. Moon (문): Moon, meaning "gate" or "door", represents opportunity and new beginnings.

43. Ryu (류): Ryu means "dragon" or "stream", symbolizing power and strength.

44. Na (나): Na means "I" or "me", representing individuality and self-reliance.

45. Go (고): Go means "high" or "noble", symbolizing aspiration and achievement.

46. Kim (김): Kim, another common surname, is believed to have originated from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. It means "gold" or "metal", signifying wealth and prosperity.

47. Lee (이): Lee, the second most common Korean surname, is derived from the Yi Dynasty and means "plum" or "pear tree", representing peace and harmony.

48. Park (박): Park, another widespread surname, originates from the Silla Dynasty and means "melon" or "gourd", symbolizing abundance and longevity.

49. Choi (최): Choi is a relatively common last name in Korea and means "best" or "excellent", indicating a desire for success and achievement.

50. Jung (정): Jung, meaning "upright" or "correct", is a respected and commonly used surname, symbolizing integrity and righteousness.