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Updated January 21, 2025

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The most common last name in South Korea is Kim. In fact, in a population of a little more than 50 million, one in five are named Kim. One in 10 Koreans are named Lee, and nearly half the population is named Kim, Lee, or Choi. Given that so many Korean people have one of three last names, you may wonder how many other last names the country has; the answer is quite a few!

Traditional Korean surnames involve using a single syllable to differentiate what generation the person is within the family. The single syllable, also referred to as their Korean family name, precedes the individual's first name. So, for example, all the cousins of one generation may use the syllable Bak in front of their first name so you could have Bak Aera, Bak Jiah, and Bak Minji.

Naming culture in North Korea and South Korea has followed similar traditions for generations. Still, South Korean culture is slowly changing based on western influences, and younger generations are beginning to place their surname at the end.

Another unique tradition is that Korean women typically don’t take their husband’s surname; however, their children will have the same surname as their father.

Korean last names have been influenced by both Chinese and Japanese culture and their own rich history. China has had such an influence on Koran culture that many Korean names use Chinese characters.

Surnames were typically reserved for people of means; therefore, many commoners did not have one. When Japan occupied Korea in 1910, many adopted the surname of their master. 

Chinese-Influenced Korean Surnames

The Tang Dynasty of China ran from 618-907 CE and is considered the epitome of ancient Chinese culture and civilization. During the Tang dynasty, Japan and Korea began adopting Chinese ideas of legal, political, and writing systems. 

Korea lies very close to China, and as a result, the two nations have engaged in wars, cultural exchanges, and influences. As such, many Korean names are heavily influenced by the Chinese language. 

  1. Byun - Taken from the Chinese word Bian. It means "excitable" or "impatient."  
  2. Chai - "Firewood."  
  3. Chang - "Prosperous" or "flourishing."  
  4. Chin - This name comes from the word "chen," which means "ancient."  
  5. Gang - This common Korean surname comes from the Chinese word Jiang, which means "ginger."  
  6. Gim - "Gold." A variation of the popular Kim.  
  7. Hahm - "West."  
  8. Jun - This name comes from the Chinese character for "handsome."  
  9. Lee or Li - It means "plum" or "plum tree."  
  10. Ryu - "Willow tree."

Korean Surnames Based on Colors

Many Korean surnames have their basis in colors. Color in Korea is very significant, primarily what is referred to as Korean primary colors: white, blue, black, red, and yellow, which represent the elements. Natural colors like white, yellow, and natural unbleached colors also have great significance. 

  1. Bae - "Pear."  
  2. Baek - "White." An alternative spelling is Paek.  
  3. Chu - Derived from the Chinese word Zhu, which means "vermillion" or "red."  
  4. Hwang - "Yellow."  
  5. Gang - "Ginger."  
  6. Gim - "Gold."  
  7. Kim - "Gold." Kim is a variant of the last name Jin.  
  8. Jiang or Kang - "Ginger."  
  9. Jue - "Cinnabar" or "vermillion."  
  10. Whang - "Yellow."

Noble and Warrior Korean Last Names

Korea has a rich and vibrant past involving warriors and nobility. Like Japan, the Koreans had a warrior class centered around various martial arts styles. 

  1. Bu - "Wealth or fortune."  
  2. Hahn or Han - "Leader."  
  3. Jang - "Chief."  
  4. Kwon - "Power or authority."  
  5. Yun or Yoon - "To govern or oversee."

Regional and Place Korean Last Names

Like many other cultures, Koreans tended to take names that represented the region they were from or geographical attributes surrounding their homes.

  1. Chay - "In the brushwood."  
  2. Chew - A common name from the Zhu state.  
  3. Cho or Joh - This last name is derived from Zhao, an ancient city in Shanxi province.  
  4. Chun - "The field."  
  5. Do - "Road" or "path."  
  6. Jung - From the ancient state, Zheng.  
  7. Kwan - "Border pass."  
  8. Kwak or Kwock - A name that means "the surrounding area."  
  9. Lin - "Forest."  
  10. Shine - Based on the Chinese and Korean peninsula area.  

Korean Last Names Based on Personal Attributes  

Some Koreans may have gained their surname based on a family attribute or an ancestor’s physical characteristic. These often started as nicknames or were part of a family’s code of honor.  

  1. Ahn - "Tranquility."  
  2. Jeong or Cheong - "Quite and gentle."  
  3. Jee - "Will" or "ambition."  
  4. Hong - "Great."  
  5. Hyun - "Profound and mysterious."  
  6. Pak - "Plain" or "unadorned."  
  7. Myung - "Brilliant."  
  8. Roh - "Like a musical note."  
  9. Seo - "Calm" or "poised."  
  10. Yeon - "Beautiful and graceful."

Common Korean Last Names  

The most popular Korean last names often carry deep cultural significance, with roots reaching back generations. Some popular surnames are shared by millions of people in Korea and around the world. Here are some of the most common Korean last names:

  1. Choi - A common surname meaning "high" or "lofty."  
  2. Cho - Often symbolizes clarity or sweetness.  
  3. Jung - Associated with righteousness or justice.  
  4. Kang - Represents strength or wellness.  
  5. Kim - One of the most widespread, meaning "gold" or "metal."  
  6. Lee - Signifies "plum tree" and is one of the oldest surnames.  
  7. Park - Typically means "gourd," representing abundance.  
  8. Shin - Often linked to faith or trust.  
  9. Song - Denotes "pine tree," symbolizing longevity.  
  10. Yoon - Represents governance or approval.

Famous Korean Last Names (With English Translations)

Korean surnames have gained global recognition, thanks to the rising influence of K-culture—from K-pop and K-drama to Korean cinema. Here are some notable figures whose names carry both history and fame:

  • Kim Seokjin (김석진) – Also known as “Jin” from BTS, meaning "gold stone truth." 
  • Park Seojoon (박서준) – Famous actor known for his role in Itaewon Class, with "Park" meaning "gourd."  
  • Lee Ji-eun (이지은) – Popularly known as IU, "Lee" translates to "plum tree."  
  • Jeon Jungkook (전정국) – BTS’s youngest member, whose surname, "Jeon," refers to farmlands.  
  • Choi Woo Shik (최우식) – Actor recognized for his performance in Parasite, with “Choi” linked to nobility.  

These individuals have truly left their mark, extending the reach of Korean surnames far beyond their cultural landscape.

What Makes Korean Surnames Special?

Korean surnames are more than just a collection of sounds—they embody identity, honor ancestry, and carry timeless meanings. Whether you’re exploring these surnames for a baby name, a personal connection, or genealogical research, understanding their cultural depth adds a new layer of appreciation.

If you’re looking for the perfect name for your little one or eager to trace your lineage further, celebrating the beauty of Korean surnames is an enriching experience that connects the past to the present.

What Are the Rarest Korean Last Names?  

Some of the rarest Korean last names include Jeup (즙), Sam (삼), and Kwog (곽). These surnames are extremely uncommon, with only a handful of individuals carrying them. Korean surnames are often tied to specific geographic regions or clans, which can contribute to their rarity if the family line or region is small.

What Is a Cute Korean Last Name?  

A cute Korean last name is often subjective, but names like Bae (배), meaning "pear," or Yeon (연), meaning "lotus," can sound lovely and soft. These names have a pleasant, charming quality and are easy to pronounce, making them popular choices in discussions of "cute" names.

Which Surnames Are Famous in Korea?  

Some of the most famous Korean surnames are Kim (김), Lee (이), and Park (박). These names are carried by a significant portion of the population and are associated with many influential historical figures in Korea, from kings and scholars to modern celebrities.

L. Elizabeth Forry

About L. Elizabeth Forry

L. Elizabeth Forry is an Early Childhood Educator with 15 years of classroom… Read more

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