Korean Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Surnames in Korea

This comprehensive guide explores the fascinating world of Korean last names. These surnames, known as "seong" (성) in Korean, are an integral part of Korean culture and history. They provide insights into ancestral origins, social standing, and even personality traits. This list delves into the etymology and meanings of over 40 popular Korean last names, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Korean genealogy.
1. **Kim (김):** Derived from the word "gold," symbolizing wealth, power, and prosperity. It is the most common last name in Korea, associated with a strong lineage and historical prominence.

2. **Lee (이):** Meaning "plum," representing beauty, grace, and elegance. It is the second most common surname, linked to a diverse range of historical figures and cultural contributions.

3. **Park (박):** Stemming from the word "gourd," symbolizing resilience, adaptability, and good fortune. It is the third most common surname, associated with a strong connection to nature and rural life.

4. **Choi (최):** Meaning "best," signifying excellence, leadership, and achievement. It is the fourth most common surname, linked to a strong drive for success and ambition.

5. **Kang (강):** Derived from the word "river," representing strength, perseverance, and flowing energy. It is a prominent surname, associated with a strong connection to nature and a sense of fluidity.

6. **Cho (조):** Meaning "ancestor," signifying respect for lineage, tradition, and family values. It is a common surname, associated with a strong sense of heritage and community.

7. **Yun (윤):** Meaning "cloud," symbolizing tranquility, serenity, and introspection. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a peaceful and contemplative nature.

8. **Jung (정):** Meaning "upright," signifying integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct. It is a common surname, linked to a strong sense of justice and fairness.

9. **Shin (신):** Meaning "new," symbolizing innovation, progress, and a fresh perspective. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a forward-thinking and adaptable nature.

10. **Oh (오):** Meaning "five," symbolizing completion, harmony, and balance. It is a relatively common surname, linked to a sense of completeness and fulfillment.

11. **Han (한):** Meaning "one," signifying unity, togetherness, and a shared sense of identity. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a strong sense of community and belonging.

12. **Yang (양):** Meaning "sheep," symbolizing gentleness, humility, and a peaceful disposition. It is a relatively common surname, linked to a quiet and introspective nature.

13. **Seo (서):** Meaning "west," signifying direction, exploration, and a pioneering spirit. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a sense of adventure and new beginnings.

14. **Jeon (전):** Meaning "all," symbolizing completeness, totality, and a comprehensive view. It is a relatively common surname, linked to a wide-ranging perspective and a desire to understand the bigger picture.

15. **Go (고):** Meaning "high," signifying elevation, ambition, and a striving for excellence. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a strong drive to succeed and achieve greatness.

16. **Moon (문):** Meaning "gate," symbolizing opportunity, passage, and a journey of discovery. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a sense of open-mindedness and a willingness to explore new horizons.

17. **Kim (금):** Meaning "gold," symbolizing wealth, power, and prosperity. It is a less common surname than "Kim (김)," but still carries a similar meaning and historical significance.

18. **Yoon (윤):** Meaning "cloud," symbolizing tranquility, serenity, and introspection. It is a less common surname than "Yun (윤)," but shares the same meaning and association with a peaceful nature.

19. **Na (나):** Meaning "I," signifying individuality, self-reliance, and a strong sense of self. It is a relatively common surname, linked to a strong sense of self-awareness and a desire to stand out.

20. **Jeong (정):** Meaning "correct," signifying accuracy, precision, and a commitment to truth. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a strong sense of integrity and a desire for clarity.

21. **Bae (배):** Meaning "pear," symbolizing sweetness, gentleness, and a nurturing nature. It is a relatively common surname, linked to a kind and compassionate disposition.

22. **Son (손):** Meaning "hand," symbolizing skill, craftsmanship, and a practical approach. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a strong work ethic and a hands-on approach.

23. **No (노):** Meaning "old," signifying wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of life. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a sense of maturity and perspective.

24. **Yoo (유):** Meaning "flow," symbolizing movement, change, and adaptation. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a flexible and adaptable nature.

25. **Im (임):** Meaning "forest," symbolizing stability, growth, and a strong connection to nature. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a grounded and nurturing nature.

26. **Byun (변):** Meaning "change," signifying transformation, evolution, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a dynamic and adventurous spirit.

27. **Ahn (안):** Meaning "safety," signifying security, peace of mind, and a sense of comfort. It is a relatively common surname, associated with a peaceful and nurturing nature.

28. **Kim (금):** Meaning "metal," symbolizing strength, durability, and resilience. It is a less common surname than "Kim (김)," but still carries a strong meaning associated with strength and perseverance.

29. **Lee (리):** Meaning "plum," symbolizing beauty, grace, and elegance. It is a less common surname than "Lee (이)," but shares the same meaning and association with refinement.

30. **Park (백):** Meaning "white," symbolizing purity, innocence, and a fresh start. It is a less common surname than "Park (박)," but still carries a meaning associated with cleanliness and new beginnings.

31. **Choi (채):** Meaning "color," symbolizing vibrancy, diversity, and a rich tapestry of life. It is a less common surname than "Choi (최)," but shares the same meaning and association with a colorful personality.

32. **Kang (강):** Meaning "river," representing strength, perseverance, and flowing energy. It is a less common surname than "Kang (강)," but still carries a strong meaning associated with flowing energy and resilience.

33. **Cho (조):** Meaning "ancestor," signifying respect for lineage, tradition, and family values. It is a less common surname than "Cho (조)," but shares the same meaning and association with family and heritage.

34. **Yun (윤):** Meaning "cloud," symbolizing tranquility, serenity, and introspection. It is a less common surname than "Yun (윤)," but shares the same meaning and association with a peaceful nature.

35. **Jung (정):** Meaning "upright," signifying integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct. It is a less common surname than "Jung (정)," but shares the same meaning and association with a sense of justice.

36. **Shin (신):** Meaning "new," symbolizing innovation, progress, and a fresh perspective. It is a less common surname than "Shin (신)," but shares the same meaning and association with a forward-thinking nature.

37. **Oh (오):** Meaning "five," symbolizing completion, harmony, and balance. It is a less common surname than "Oh (오)," but shares the same meaning and association with a sense of completeness.

38. **Han (한):** Meaning "one," signifying unity, togetherness, and a shared sense of identity. It is a less common surname than "Han (한)," but shares the same meaning and association with a sense of community.

39. **Yang (양):** Meaning "sheep," symbolizing gentleness, humility, and a peaceful disposition. It is a less common surname than "Yang (양)," but shares the same meaning and association with a quiet nature.

40. **Seo (서):** Meaning "west," signifying direction, exploration, and a pioneering spirit. It is a less common surname than "Seo (서)," but shares the same meaning and association with a sense of adventure.