305 Korean Last Names (and Meanings)

Korean history is much more than just the tale of North and South. The Korean peninsula has been a center of culture, tradition, philosophy, and art for millennia. Korean last names are vibrant and profound, and their meanings are captivating and often relate to the region, nature, or historical events. Our carefully researched list of the most common Korean last names, hanja, and their meanings is an ideal starting point for understanding these fascinating surnames.

What are Korean Last Names?

North and South Korea have been split by a highly militarized border since 1953. Korean last names are an example of a culture that survives political turmoil. Korean last names are often mono-syllabic. They are written in Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and hanja, a traditional writing form. Unique qualities of Korean last names include their succinct beauty, hidden complexity, and allure due to the dissemination of Korean culture. As Koreans have migrated around the world, their surnames have also become recognizable. For example, common Korean-American last names include Kim, Lee, Park, and Choi; unique Korean-American last names include Jin, Sun, Moon, Yoon, and Kwon.

Hanja was Korea’s original writing system and is still used in traditional settings, including last names. They are Chinese characters that represent sounds and words, which is why a Korean surname can be spoken in one way and have a different meaning. Korean is written in Hangul, developed in 1443. Hanja historically influences Korean last names since they show deeper meanings passed down over centuries. We’ve carefully researched a comprehensive list of the most common Korean surnames, so read on to learn more about the deeper meanings of these last names.

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Top 100 Korean Last Names

Korean surnames are unique in that a relatively small number dominate the population. Despite the limited number, each surname has various ancestral origins and meanings, denoted by different hanja characters. Our comprehensive list of common Korean last names and hanja denotes the statistically most popular surnames.

Kim – Gold – 金
Lee – Plum tree – 李
Park – Magnolia tree – 朴
Jeong – Quiet, still, gentle – 鄭
Choi – Mountain – 崔
Cho – An ancestor – 曺
Kang – Ginger – 姜
Yoon – Rule, govern – 尹
Jang – Bow, arch – 張
Lim – Forest – 林
Oh – Name of a place – 吳
Kwon – Authority, power – 權
Song – Pine tree – 宋
Shin – Extend, stretch – 申
Nam – South – 南
Han – Korea, one, cold – 韓
Moon – Literature, culture – 文
Baek – White – 白
Sohn – Grandchild – 孫
Ryu – Willow – 柳
Pak – Magnolia tree – 朴
Chong – Quiet, still, gentle – 鄭
Choe – Mountain – 崔
Yu – Milk – 兪
Yun – Rule, govern – 尹
Chang – Bow, arch – 張
Im – Forest – 林
Sin – Extend, stretch – 申
Chon – Whole, complete – 全
So – Revive, come to, return – 蘇
Hwang – Yellow – 黃
An – Peace, calm – 安
Hong – Great, vast – 洪
Yang – Willow, poplar – 楊
Son – Grandchild – 孫
Ko – High, tall – 高
Mun – Literature, culture – 文
Pae – Doublet, roundabout – 裴
Paek – White – 白
Ho – Allow, permit – 許
No – Cottage – 盧
Chu – Vermilion, red – 朱
Sim – Deep, sink, immerse – 沈
Ha – Summer – 夏
Ku – Tool, implement – 具
Kwak – Outer city – 郭
Cha – Vehicle, cart – 車
Na – Net – 羅
Chin – Exhibit, display – 陳
Min – Hurry – 閔
Chi – Pond – 池
Pyon – Side, boundary – 邊
Om – Warm – 溫
Won – Origin, beginning – 元
Pang – Direction, method – 方
Chae – Thistle – 蔡
Kong – Hole, opening – 孔
Hyon – Dark, mysterious – 玄
Ham – All, every – 咸
Yo – Musical note – 呂
Yom – Upright, incorruptible – 廉
Sok – Stone – 石
To – Capital city – 都
Sol – Snow – 雪
Ma – Horse – 馬
Yon – Join, connect – 連
Kil – Good luck – 吉
Wi – Military officer – 尉
Pyo – Surface, table – 表
Ki – Strange, odd – 奇
Pan – Water in which rice has been rinsed – 潘
Myong – Bright, clear – 明
Wang – King – 王
Ok – Jade – 玉
Kum – Gold – 金
In – Person – 人
Maeng – Eldest, first – 孟
Yuk – Land, continent – 陸
Che – Vehicle, cart – 車
Mo – Fur, hair – 毛
Tak – Virtue, moral – 德
Namgung – Southern palace – 南宮
Kuk – Nation, country – 國
Kyong – Scenery, view – 景
Un – Cloud – 雲
Yong – Dragon – 龍
Ye – Courtesy, manners – 禮
Pong – Direction, method – 方
Sa – History – 史
Pu – Rich – 富
Ka – Home, family – 家
Mok – Tree, wood – 木
Tae – Great, large – 太
Hwangbo – Imperial, assistant – 皇甫
Jung – Quiet, still, gentle – 鄭
Seo – Slow, gentle – 徐
Pok – Magnolia tree – 朴
Kye – Cinnamon – 桂
Hyong – Bright, shining – 炯
Pi – Jade, blue-green – 碧

Unique Korean Last Names

These unique Korean last names have delightful meanings and fascinating histories. Many have histories rooted in specific events, places, or meanings that distinguish them from more common names.

Ahn – Peace, calm – 安
Bae – Doublet, roundabout – 裴
Bang – Direction, method – 方
Bin – Refined – 彬
Bok – Blessing, happiness – 福
Byun – Side, boundary – 邊
Chun – Spring – 春
Chung – Bell – 鍾
Chwa – Fruit – 菓
Do – Path, way – 道
Dong – East – 東
Eun – Grace, favor – 恩
Guk – Nation, country – 國
Heo – Allow, permit – 許
Hoon – Instruction, training – 訓
Hwa – Splendid, flower – 華
Hyun – Virtuous, worthy – 賢
Jae – Load, carry – 載
Je – Virtuous, chaste – 貞
Jeon – Whole, complete – 全
Ji – Wisdom – 智
Jo – Ancient state name – 趙
Joo – Vermilion, red – 朱
Jun – Talented, handsome – 俊
Kan – Simple – 簡
Koh – High, tall – 高
Koo – Hill, mound – 丘
Kook – Nation, country – 國
Kung – Hole, opening – 孔
Kyu – Pattern, model – 奎
Kyung – Celebrate – 慶
Mi – Beauty – 美
Mu – Martial, military – 武
Mung – Dream – 夢
Noh – Cottage – 盧
On – Warm – 溫
Paeng – Friend – 朋
Pom – Ordinary, common – 凡
Pung – Abundant, plentiful – 豊
Ra – Net – 羅
Rah – Net – 羅
Ro – Cottage – 盧
Roh – Cottage – 盧
Sang – Still, yet – 尙
Seok – Stone – 石
Shim – Deep, sink, immerse – 沈
Si – Time – 時
Sook – Gentle, good – 淑
Su – Elegant – 秀
Suh – Slow, gentle – 徐
Suk – Tin – 錫
Sun – Fresh – 鮮
Sung – Accomplish, succeed – 成
Tai – Great, exalted – 泰
Tong – Same – 同
Uhm – Strict, severe – 嚴
Um – Strict, severe – 嚴
Woo – Ancient Chinese ruler – 禹
Yeon – Swallow bird – 燕
Yi – Plum tree – 李
Yim – Trust, duty – 任
Yoo – Willow – 柳
You – Kill – 劉
Yul – Chestnut – 栗

Cute Korean Last Names

Korean last names are primarily markers of lineage and history, however, some can sometimes have meanings or phonetic sounds perceived as cute or endearing. These surnames evoke imagery or sentiments that resonate with themes of nature, love, and other pleasant associations.

Bak – Simple – 朴
Byung – Bright, luminous – 炳
Chai – A type of plant – 蔡
Cheol – Philosophy, wise – 哲
Choie – High, lofty – 崔
Daehyun – Great virtue – 大賢
Goh – High, tall – 高
Hae – Sea – 海
Hui – Shine, radiance – 輝
Hun – Merit – 勳
Hwan – Luminous, brilliant – 煥
Hye – Wisdom – 慧
Ja – Resources, assets – 資
Jong – Ancestral, clan – 宗
Keem – Gold – 金
Kwan – Authority, power, right – 權
Kyo – High, lofty – 喬
Mee – Beauty – 美
My – Beauty – 美
Myoung – Bright, clear – 明
Ryoo – Willow – 柳
San – Mountain – 山
Shon – Son” – 孫
Yee – Plum tree – 李

Pretty Korean Last Names

These last names are deemed pretty due to their phonetic sound, the imagery they evoke, or the meaning associated with the corresponding hanja character. Many are reminiscent of nature, poetry, or elements traditionally considered beautiful in Korean culture.

Byoun – Side, boundary – 邊
Cheon – Thousand – 千
Hahm – All, every – 咸
Hyeon – Virtuous, worthy – 賢
Jie – Pond – 池
Kho – High, tall – 高
Kweon – Power, authority – 權
Myung – Bright, clear – 明
Ree – Plum tree – 李
Ryou – Willow – 柳
Seon – Good, virtuous – 善
Soo – Elegant – 秀
Soon – Obedient, smooth – 順
Sunwoo – Proclaim and 禹 – Ancient Chinese ruler – 宣
Wook – Rising sun – 旭
Woon – Cloud – 雲
Woong – Hero, male – 雄
Yeh – Leaf – 葉
Yeo – Musical note – 呂
Yeom – Upright, honest – 廉
Yeong – Flower, hero – 英
Yie – Plum tree – 李
Yoh – Joy, music – 樂

Cool Korean Last Names

These Korean last names sound cool, which adds to their allure. Their uniqueness or the power of the narratives associated with them make them stand out and be viewed as particularly captivating.

Baeck – White – 白
Ban – Plank – 板
Beak – White – 白
Gang – Ginger – 姜
Gim – Gold – 金
Gong – Palace – 宮
Goo – Tool, implement – 具
Gu – Tool, implement – 具
Gwak – Outer city wall – 郭
Haan – Korea – 韓
Hann – Korea – 韓
Hee – Joy – 喜
Hoe – Allow, permit – 許
Hur – Allow, permit – 許
Jin – To set up – 陳
Kown – Power, authority – 權
Man – Ten thousand – 萬
Nho – Cottage – 盧
Paik – White – 白
Ran – Orchid – 蘭
Rim – Forest – 林
Ryang – Bridge – 梁
Yook – Land – 陸

Rare Korean Last Names

Certain Korean surnames are rare, held by only a few individuals or families. These rare Korean last names aren’t spoken often in the streets of Seoul and are perfect for extraordinary people.

Bahn – Plank – 板
Bahng – Direction, way – 方
Boo – Wealth – 富
Bu – Wealth – 富
Chee – Pond – 池
Cheong – Blue – 靑
Chey – Pond – 池
Choy – A type of plant – 蔡
Dae – Big, great – 大
Doo – Stop, prevent – 杜
Eo – Fish – 魚
Eum – Shade, north side of a hill, negative – 陰
Ghim – Gold – 金
Hah – Summer – 夏
Hoh – Allow, permit – 許
Il – One – 一
Jahng – Stretch, spread – 張
Jhun – Whole, entire – 全
Joun – Whole, entire – 全
Kae – Lid, cover – 蓋
Kahng – Ginger – 姜
Keum – Gold – 金
Kun – Earth; one of the eight trigrams of the I Ching – 坤
Leem – Forest – 林
Myo – Bright, clear – 明
Namkung – Southern palace – 南宮
Po – Wave – 波
Pyun – Side, boundary – 邊
Rhie – Plum tree; Yi” or “Ri” – 李
Rhim – Forest – 林
Se – Generation – 世
Soh – Revive, come to – 蘇
Sonn – Grandchild – 孫
Sup – Soak, wet – 濡
Yuh – Kill; Yu” or “Ryu” – 劉
Yum – Trust, leave to – 任

Uncommon Korean Last Names

Our uncommon Korean last names showcase the diversity of a culture that is sometimes seen as a monolith. These last names provide a unique cultural fingerprint, distinguishing their bearers from the majority with more prevalent surnames.

Bahk – Simple – 朴
Baik – White – 白
Bong – Direction, way – 方
Byeon – Side, boundary – 邊
Choo – Vermilion, red – 朱
Choung – Quiet, gentle – 鄭
Eom – Strict, stern – 嚴
Gwon – Power, authority – 權
Hak – Learning, study – 學
Hyung – Smooth, successful – 亨
Jee – Pond – 池
Jeoung – Quiet, gentle – 鄭
Joh – Ancient Chinese state – 趙
Joung – Quiet, gentle – 鄭
Ju – Vermilion, red – 朱
Khim – Gold – 金
Kyoung – Celebration – 慶
Mae – Buy – 買
Nae – Inside, within – 內
Nah – Gauze, thin silk – 羅
Nahm – South – 南
Nan – Orchid – 蘭
Pil – Certain, sure – 必
Pyong – Peace, flat – 平
Rhee – Plum tree; Yi” or “Ri” – 李
Rho – Cottage – 盧
Seol – Kind of grass – 薛
Seung – Rise, ascend – 昇
Sihn – Extend, state, apply for – 申
Wan – Complete, finish – 完
Weon – First, origin – 元
Whang – Yellow – 黄
Ya – Second, sub, Asia – 亞
Yea – Also – 也
Youn – Rule, govern – 尹

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Famous People with Korean Last Names

Jeon Jeong-guk, best known by his stage name Jungkook, is a member of the world-famous boyband Bangtan Sonyeondan, often called BTS. He was born in South Korea in 1997. In 2022, he performed at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The hanja in his Korean surname Jeon means ‘field.’

Ryu Hyun-jin is a Major League Baseball (MLB) professional baseball player. He has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and currently plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. He plays as a pitcher and is highly respected in South Korean and diaspora communities. The hanja in his surname means ‘willow tree’.

Son Heung-min is considered one of the greatest Asian soccer players in history. Born in South Korea in 1992, he plays for Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and captains the national team of South Korea. He was awarded the Cheongnyong Medal, an award given for athletic achievements, in 2022. The hanja in his surname means ‘grandchild’.

Yoo Jae-suk is one of South Korea’s most popular and recognized celebrities for his work as a comedian and variety television show host. He has donated significant amounts of money to charity. The hanja in his surname means ‘to rule.’

Lee Min-ho is a businessman and entertainer who rocketed to worldwide fame due to his performance in the hit drama series Boys Over Flowers. He has worked as an actor, singer, and model and established a website called PROMIZ that promotes charities and directs visitors to donation opportunities. The hanja in his surname means ‘plum tree’.

References

Information from Wikipedia on common Korean surnames was used in the collection of this data.

305 Korean Last Names