KOREAN SURNAMES

100+ Korean Surnames

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Korean surnames, often referred to as “family names,” hold a special place in the cultural and social fabric of Korea.

The Korean naming system differs significantly from Western conventions, where the surname is traditionally placed before the given name, and these family names are handed down from one generation to the next, typically following a patrilineal descent.

Among the most prevalent Korean surnames are (Gim or Kim), (I, Yi or Lee), (Bak, Pak, or Park), (Jeong or Jung), (Choe or Choi), (Jo or Cho), (Gang or Kang), (Jang or Chang), (Yun or Yoon), and (Im, Lim or Yim).

These surnames, while common, each carry a unique historical background often linked to specific clans or geographic regions. The meaning and origin of each Korean surname can vary, adding to a colorful mosaic that embodies the essence of Korean heritage and identity.

Top 10 Most Common Korean Surnames

The following list contains the 10 most common Korean Surnames along with their Hangeul characters and Romanizations.

HangeulRevised RomanizationOther Romanizations
GimKim
ILee, Yi
BakPak, Park
JeongJung
ChoeChoi
JoCho, Joe
GangKang
JangChang
YunYoon
ImLim, Rim, Yim

Top 10 Most Rare Korean Surnames

The following list contains the 10 most rare Korean Surnames along with their Hangeul characters and Romanizations.

HangeulRevised RomanizationOther Romanizations
YeYae, Yea, Yeh
JeupChŭp, Chup
등정DeungjeongTŭngjŏng
TangT’ang
황목Hwangmok
무본Mubon
BeonPŏn
Wan
DaTa
망절MangjeolMangjŏl

Overview of Korean Surnames

Naming Conventions: Western vs. Sino-based Languages

In many Western naming conventions, people typically have a “given name” (first name) followed by a “family name” (surname). It’s common for people to use their given name as their primary identifier in daily life. However, in some cases, people may use their middle name, or even their last name, as a first name or go by a nickname.

In contrast, Sino-based languages like Korean and Chinese, have different naming conventions. In these cultures, the “family name” (surname) is traditionally placed before the “given name” (first name). So, when referring to someone, you would first say their surname and then their given name.

Take, for example, the renowned martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee. In these cultures, he would be referred to as “Lee Bruce” with the family name (Lee) placed before the given name (Bruce).

A fun fact related to Korean culture is that, unlike some cultures where women traditionally change their last names upon marriage, Korean women do not change their legal names at marriage. In fact, they typically retain their original family names. This practice reflects the importance of family lineage and is a notable cultural distinction regarding naming conventions in Korea.

Historical Origin of Korean Surnames

Ancient Korea did not commonly use surnames. Some noble families may have had them, but the common people, and those from lower social classes often did not have hereditary surnames. Their names were simpler and frequently based on their occupation, place of residence, or other characteristics.

Korean Surnames Chinese Influence

Chinese Influence on Korean Surnames

The influence of neighboring China on Korea led to the adoption of Chinese letters and the custom of using surnames. This influence included importing actual Chinese surnames and characters.

Many Korean surnames have Chinese origins, and they are often represented by one or two Chinese characters, influencing both the meaning and pronunciation of the surname.

It’s essential to note that shared sounds/characters between “first names” and “surnames” does not mean a person is using a surname as a first name, unlike Western naming conventions.

This is because Sino-based languages such as Korean and Chinese have different naming conventions. Chinese characters can share similar sounds, allowing for variations in name spellings but with different meanings.

Each character can have multiple meanings or sounds, which is why you can find many people with “surname” characters in their first names. For instance, the name Jeong(정) is used both as a Korean “surname” and “first name,” therefore a person having Jeong (정) in their name does not automatically mean Jeong(정) is their surname.

Another illustration of shared sounds retaining their phonetics despite distinct meanings is evident in the surname Jeong (정), which can be represented using three different Chinese characters: 鄭, 丁, and 程. Despite the variation in spelling, the pronunciation remains consistent.

If a Korean surname lacks a Chinese character (or characters), it indicates that the surname’s founder immigrated from another country, and the Korean surname is made up.

When did Koreans start having surnames

When did every Korean start having a surname?

The use of hereditary surnames in Korea underwent significant changes over the centuries. As mentioned earlier, it was influenced by Chinese culture, as Chinese naming practices included both given names and surnames.

In pre-modern Korea, prior to the abolition of the social hierarchy system in 1894, surnames were largely reserved for the royal family, nobility (양반 yangban), and individuals with high social status.

Commoners typically did not have hereditary surnames during this period. Instead, their names were often based on their occupation, place of residence, or other characteristics. This practice highlighted the stark social hierarchies that existed in Korean society at the time.

The turning point in the history of Korean surnames came in 1904 when a government-mandated census required all Korean residents to register a surname.

This was a significant departure from the historical norm and marked the beginning of a more egalitarian approach to naming conventions.

The mandatory registration of surnames was instrumental in breaking down the barriers that had existed in the use of family names. People from all walks of life, regardless of social status, were now expected to select and register a hereditary surname.

Considering they couldn’t invent family names, they resorted to the existing ones, which ended up being the most common ones like Kim (김), Lee (이), Park (박), Jeong (정), and Choe (최).

Creating a new surname in Korea is typically illegal, except for immigrants who become Korean citizens through naturalization.

Census on Korean Surnames

Korea has a detailed census of surnames, providing a wealth of information about the distribution and history of surnames in the country.

Based on the recent census (2015), South Korea revealed that three surnames, Kim (김), Lee (이), Park (박), are highly prevalent in the country.

Approximately 1 in 5 Koreans bear the surname 김 (Kim), nearly 1 in 7 have the surname 이 (Lee), and 1 in 12 have the surname 박 (Park). Collectively, these three surnames make up 44.6 percent of the country’s 50 million population.

Bongwans (본관)

Korean Surnames Are all Kims Lees Parks Jeongs and Choes Related

In Korean culture, it’s important to note that having a common surname like Kim (김), Lee (이), Park (박), Jeong (정), or Choe (최) does not automatically mean that individuals with those surnames are directly related to each other.

While these surnames are among the most common in Korea, with many people sharing them, they do not indicate a familial relationship between individuals who bear the same surname.

What are Bongwans (본관)?

Bongwans (본관) are Korean ancestral hometowns or clans. Korean “family names” are categorized into different bongwans to denote the name’s origin and distinguish between various clans that share the same surname. This practice helps identify a person’s ancestral roots and is a unique aspect of Korean naming traditions.

Korean Surnames Kim Bongwan

김 (Kim, Gim) Bongwans

The (Kim) surname in Korea means “Gold,” and is associated with numerous different clans and variations. Each of these Kim clans has its own unique lineage and history. The different Kim clans can often be distinguished by their bongwans, which are the ancestral hometowns or origins associated with the surname.

Here are a few notable Kim bongwans:

  • Gimhae Kim (김해김씨): Associated with 김해 (Gimhae), a city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Gyeongju Kim (경주김씨): Linked to the historic city of 경주 (Gyeongju), in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom.
  • Gwangsan Kim (광산김씨): Hails from Gwangsan (present day Gwangju), a metropolitan city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Jeonju Kim (전주김씨): Has its historical ties to Jeonju (전주시), a city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Andong Kim (안동김씨): There are two Andong Kim clans, Elder Andong Kim (구안동김씨) and New Andong Kim (신안동김씨). Both clans have their roots in Andong, a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
HangeulRomanizationBongwanProvinceProgenitor
김해김씨Gimhae KimGimhaeSouth Gyeongsang김수로
경주김씨Gyeongju KimGyeongjuNorth Gyeongsang김알지
광산김씨Gwangsan KimGwangsanSouth Jeolla김흥광
전주김씨Jeonju KimJeonjuNorth Jeolla김태서
구안동김씨Elder Andong KimAndongNorth Gyeongsang김숙승
신안동김씨New Andong KimAndongNorth Gyeongsang김습돈

These are a few examples of Kim clans and bongwans in Korea. As with other common Korean surnames, there are many more, each with its own unique historical and regional connections.

| MORE ABOUT KIM BONGWANS

Korean Surnames Lee Bongwan

이 (Lee, Yi) Bongwans

Lee is another common Korean surname, and like Kim, it is associated with various clans and bongwans.

Some of the prominent Lee bongwans include:

  • Jeonju Lee (전주이씨): Associated with the city of Jeonju in North Jeolla Province, South Korea, this is one of the most well-known Lee clans.
  • Danyang Lee (단양이씨): Linked to Danyang county in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea.
  • Pyeongchang Lee (평창이씨): Hails from Pyeongchang, a county in Gangwon Province, South Korea.
  • Gyeongju Lee (경주이씨): Has historical ties with the historic city of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Yeonan Lee (연안이씨): Has its roots in Yeonan, a county in South Hwanghae Province, North Korea.
HangeulRomanizationBongwanProvinceProgenitor
전주이씨Jeonju LeeJeonjuNorth Jeolla이한
단양이씨Danyang LeeDanyangNorth Chungcheong이배환
평창이씨Pyeongchang LeePyeongchangGangwon이광
경주이씨Gyeongju LeeGyeongjuNorth Gyeongsang이알평
연안 이씨Yeonan LeeYeonanSouth Hwanghae이무

These are some examples of Lee bongwans in Korea, but there are many more, each with its own unique historical and regional ties.

| MORE ABOUT LEE BONGWANS

Korean Surnames Park Bongwan

박 (Park, Bak) Bongwans

The 박 (Park) surname is also one of the most common surnames in Korea, and like Kim and Lee, it has various bongwans associated with it. However, the Park surname is primarily associated with one major clan, which has various branches.

While there may be regional variations within the Park clan, they aren’t typically identified as separate clans in the way some other surnames like Kim, have distinct clans. The progenitor of all Park clans is 박혁거세 (Park Hyeokgeose), also known as Hyeokgeose of Silla, the founding monarch of the Silla Kingdom.

The Park clans that have produced a significant number of notable individuals in Korean history are collectively referred to as the “Eight Parks.

The “Eight Parks” and their bongwans include:

  • Milyeong Park (밀양박씨): Also known as Miryang Park. Associated with Milyeong (present day Miryang), a city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Hamyang Park (함양박씨): Linked to Hamyang, a county in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Bannam Park (반남박씨): Has historical ties with Bannam, a town in Naju city, South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Suncheon Park (순천박씨): Has its roots in the city of Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Juksan Park (죽산박씨): Linked to Juksan, a township in Anseong city, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
  • Goryeong Park (고령박씨): Hails from Goryeong, a county in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Muan Park (무안박씨): Associated with Muan, a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Chungju Park (충주박씨): Hails from Chungju, a city in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea.
HangeulRomanizationBongwanProvinceProgenitor
밀양박씨Milyeong ParkMilyeong (Miryang)South Gyeongsang박언침
함양박씨Hamyang ParkHamyangSouth Gyeongsang박언신
반남박씨Bannam ParkBannam (Naju)South Jeolla박응주
순천박씨Suncheon ParkSuncheonSouth Jeolla박영규
죽산박씨Juksan ParkJuksan (Anseong)Gyeonggi박언립
고령박씨Goryeong ParkGoryeongNorth Gyeongsang박언성
무안박씨Muan ParkMuanSouth Jeolla박진승
충주박씨Chungju ParkChungjuNorth Chungcheong

These are a few examples of Park clans in Korea. Similar to other common surnames, there are many more Park clans and bongwans, each with its own unique history and regional connections.

Korean Surnames Jeong Bongwan

정 (Jeong, Jung) Bongwans

The 정 (Jeong) surname is another common Korean surname, and it is associated with several clans and bongwans.

The origin of the Jeong (정) surname is China and Jeong Deok-seong (정덕성) is historically recognized as the progenitor of the Jeong surname in Korea.

As mentioned earlier, Jeong (정) can be written using one of three different Hanja characters namely 鄭 , 丁, and 程. These Hanja characters have the same pronunciation when spoken but are written differently. Each of these three versions of the surname Jeong is associated with various Jeong clans.

The specific Hanja character used in each Jeong clan’s surname differentiates them, even though the pronunciation is identical. This is a common feature in Korean surnames, where different characters are used to represent the same name.

Some of the prominent Jeong bongwans include:

  • Aphae Jeong (압해정씨): Has its roots in Aphaedo (present day Sinan), a county in South Jeolla, South Korea.
  • Naju Jeong (나주정씨): Hails from Naju, a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Yeonggwang Jeong (영광정씨): Has its roots in Yeonggwang, a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Uiseong Jeong (의성정씨): Associated with Uiseong, a county in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Changwon Jeong (창원정씨): Linked to the city of Changwon, the capital and largest city of South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Haeju Jeong (해주정씨): Has historical ties with Haeju, a city in South Hwanghae, North Korea.
HangeulRomanizationBongwanProvinceProgenitor
압해정씨Aphae JeongSinanSouth Jeolla정덕성
나주정씨Naju JeongNajuSouth Jeolla정윤종
영광정씨Yeonggwang JeongYeonggwangSouth Jeolla정진
의성정씨Uiseong JeongUiseongNorth Gyeongsang정영손
창원정씨Changwon JeongChangwonSouth Gyeongsang정관
해주정씨Haeju JeongHaejuSouth Hwanghae정숙

These are a few examples of Jeong clans and bongwans in Korea. As with other common Korean surnames, there are many more, each with its own unique historical and regional connections.

Korean Surnames Choe Bongwan

최 (Choe, Choi) Bongwans

The 최 (Choe) surname is also common in Korea, and it is associated with various clans and bongwans.

Here are a couple of notable Choe bongwans:

  • Gyeongju Choe (경주최씨): Has historical ties with the city of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
  • Haeju Choe (해주최씨): Hails from Haeju, a city in South Hwanghae Province, North Korea.
  • Jeonju Choe (전주최씨): Linked to Jeonju, a city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
  • Gangneung Choe (강릉최씨): Associated with the city Gangneung, in Gangwon Province, South Korea.
  • Hwasun Choe (화순최씨): Has its roots in Hwasun, a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
HangeulRomanizationBongwanProvinceProgenitor
경주최씨Gyeongju ChoeGyeongjuNorth Gyeongsang최치원
해주최씨Haeju ChoeHaejuSouth Hwanghae최온
전주최씨Jeonju ChoeJeonjuNorth Jeolla
강릉최씨Gangneung ChoeGangneungGangwon
화순최씨Hwasun ChoeHwasunSouth Jeolla최언

These are some examples of Choe bongwans in Korea, but there are more, each with its own unique historical and regional affiliations.

List of Korean Surnames

The following list contains 100+ Korean Surnames along with their Hangeul characters and Romanizations.

HangeulRevised RomanizationMcCune–ReischauerOther Romanization
AAAh
AeAeAi
AnAnAhn
BaePaeBai, Pai
BaekPaekBaik, Paik
BakPakPark
BanPanBahn
BangPangBahng
BeomPŏmBuhn, Bum
BeonPŏn
BiPiBee, Vi
BinPinBeen, Vin
BingPing
BoPo
BokPokBock, Pock
BongPongVong
BuPuBoo, Poo
ByeonPyŏnByon, Byun
ChaCh’aChah
ChaeCh’aeChai, Che
ChangCh’ang
CheonCh’ŏnChun, Chon
ChoCh’o
ChoeCh’oeChoi, Choy
ChongCh’ong
ChuCh’uChoo, Chou
DaTa
DaeTaeDai
DamTam
DanTanDahn, Dhan
DangTangDhang
DeungTŭng
등정DeungjeongTŭngjŏng
DoToDoh, Toh
DokTok
독고DokgoTokkoDokko, Dogko
DonTon
DongTongDhong
동방DongbangTongbang
DuTuDo, Doo, Dou
EoŎEoh, Uh
어금EogeumŎgŭmEokum, Uhkum
EomŎmUhm, Um
EumŬmUm
EunŬnEn, Un
GaKaGha, Kah, Kha
GalKalGar, Karl
GamKamGahm, Kahm
GanKanKahn, Khan
GangKangKahng, Khang
GeumKŭmKeum, Kum
GeunKŭnGun, Keun
GiKiGee, Kee, Key
GilKilGill, Keel
GimKimGhim, Kin
GoKoGoh, Koh
GokKokKoock
GongKongGohng, Kohng
GuKuGoo, Koo, Kou
GukKukGook, Kook
GungKungGoong, Koong
GwakKwakGwag, Kwag
GwanKwan
GwokKwŏkKwok, Kweok
GwonKwŏnGweon, Kwon
GyeKyeGae, Kae, Keh
GyeonKyŏnGyun, Kyeon
GyeongKyŏngKyoung, Kyung
GyoKyo
HaHaHaa, Hah
HaeHae
HakHak
HamHamHaam, Hahm
HanHanHaan, Hahn
HeoHŏnHo, Hu, Huh
HoHoHoh
HongHongHohng, Houng
HuHuHoo, Hou
HwaHwaHoa, Hua, Wha
HwangHwangHoang, Whang
황보HwangboHwangboWhangbo
황목HwangmokHwangmok
HyeonHyŏnHyon, Hyun
HyeongHyŏngHyong, Hyung
IILee, Yi, Yee
ImImLim, Rim, Yim
InInIhn, Lin, Yin
JaCha
JangChangJhang, Zhang
JeCheJae, Jea, Jeh
제갈JegalChegalJaegal, Jaekal
JeomChŏmJum
JeonChŏnChon, Chun
JeongChŏngChong, Chung
JeungChŭngCheng, Zeng
JiChiChee, Gee, Jee
JinChinGin, Jean, Jeen
JoChoJoe, Joh, Zo
JongChong
JuChuChoo, Joo, Zoo
JwaChwaChua, Joa, Jua
MaMaMah, Mha
MaeMaeMai, Mei, Mea
MaengMaengMaing, Meang
ManManMahn, Mhan
망절MangjeolMangjŏlMangjul
MiMiMee
MinMinMean, Minn
MoMoMoe, Moh, Moo
MokMokMock, Mog
MuMu
무본MubonMubon
MukMukMok, Mook
MunMunMon, Moon
MyeongMyŏngMyung
MyoMyo
NaNaNah, La, Ra
NaeNae
NamNamNahm, Lam
남궁NamgungNamgungNamgoong
NanNanAn
NangNangLang
NoNoNoh, Ro, Roh
NoeNoeNoi
OOOh, Oe
OkOkOak, Ock, Og
OnOnEok, Ohn, Own
OngOngOhng, Ung
PaengP’aengPaing, Peng
PanP’an
PiP’iPee, Pi, Phee
PilP’ilFil, Peel, Phil
PoP’o
PungP’ungPoong, Poung
PyeonP’yŏnPyon, Pyun
PyeongP’yŏngPyong, Pyung
PyoP’yoPho, Phyo
RaRaNa, La, Rah
RanRan
RangRang
RiRi
RimRim
RoRo
RoeRoe
RyeoRyŏ
RyuRyuLyu, Ryoo, You
SaSaSah, Sar
사공SagongSagongSakong
SamSam
SanSan
SangSangSahng
SeoSo, Su, Suh
SeokSŏkSok, Suck, Suk
SeolSŏlSol, Seul, Sul
서문SeomunSŏmunSeomoon
SeonSŏnSon, Sun, Suhn
SeongSŏngSong, Sung
선우SeonuSŏnuSonu, Sunwoo
SeobSŏpSeoub, Sub
SeungSŭngSeoung, Sung
SiSiSea, See, Shi
SimSimSeem, Shim
SinSinSheen, Shin
SoSoSeo, Soh, Sou
SonSonSohn, Soon
SongSongSoung, Sung
SuSu
SunSunSoon
TaeT’aeTai, Te, Tea
TakT’akTag, Tack, Tark
TanT’anTahn, Than
TangT’ang
UUOu, Woo, Wu
UnUnWoon
WanWan
WangWangWoang, Whang
WiWiWe, Wee, Wei
WonWŏnOne, Weon
YaYaYha
YangYangYaung, Yahng
YeYeYae, Yea, Yeh
YeoYo, Yu, Yuh
YeomYŏmYeoum, Yum
YeonYŏnYeoun, Yun
YeongYŏng
YeobYŏpYop, Yub, Yup
YoYo
YongYongYoung, Yung
YuYuYoo, You
YukYukYook, Yuck
YunYunYoon, Youn

Conclusion

In conclusion, Korean surnames are an integral part of Korean culture, deeply intertwined with the notion of “bongwans” or clan names. These bongwans are crucial threads connecting individuals to their ancestral heritage, reflecting the enduring spirit of the Korean people.

The exploration of Korean surnames and their associated bongwans reveals a rich tapestry of history and personal identity, showcasing the diverse heritage of Korea. These names and clan associations serve as a window into the past and a reminder of the power of names to preserve a nation’s unique story and culture.

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