What's in a name? Well, when it comes to Korean last names , there's a whole world of history, meaning, and often some symbolism thrown in! From the ubiquitous Kim to the rare gems that'll make even native Korean speakers do a double-take, there are many interesting, beautiful, and fascinating names to learn about.
Parade has compiled a list of Korean last names for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a Lee looking for your roots, a Park wondering about your family tree, a writer looking for inspiration for a character in your story or just a curious person diving into the world of Korean naming, this list has got you covered. Let's dive in!
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125 Korean Last Names and Their Meanings
1. Kim
Gold, iron, metal.
2. Lee
Plum tree.
3. Park
Gourd.
4. Choi
Mountain peak.
5. Jung
Righteous, upright.
6. Kang
River.
7. Yoon
Shining, bright.
8. Cho
Dynasty.
9. Jang
Bow (weapon).
10. Lim
Forest.
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11. Han
Great, king.
12. Shin
Trust, belief.
13. Song
Pine tree.
14. Hwang
Yellow.
15. An
Peaceful dwelling.
16. Oh/O
King.
17. Seo
West, younger sister or lower slope .
18. Gwon
Power, authority.
19. Ha
Summer.
20. Nam
South.
21. Yoo/Yu
Willow tree.
22. Jeon/Jun
Field.
23. Ryu
Willow.
24. Baek
White.
25. Ko/Go
High, tall.
26. Sim
Deep; sink.
27. Moon
Door, gate; writing.
28. Bae
Pear.
29. Byun/Byeon
Side.
30. Noh/Roh
Old, ancient.
31. Chu
Autumn.
32. Goo/Gu
Tool, utensil, to care for.
33. U
Universe, house, eaves.
34. Hur
To advocate, to permit.
35. Suh
Sow, west.
36. Do/Doh
Province, circuit.
37. Kwak
City walls.
38. Ju
Red; around.
39. Yang
Bridge, light.
40. Um
Stern, strength.
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41. Chung
Loyal, devoted.
42. Hong
Vast, great.
43. Bong
Yellow, phoenix.
44. Jee/Ji
Wisdom, intellect.
45. Min
Quick, clever.
46. Ki/Gi
Foundation, strength.
47. Seol/Sul
Snow
48. Bang
Room, chamber.
49. Dong
East.
50. Pyo
Mark, sign.
51. Cha
Chariot, vehicle.
52. Tak
Eminent, remarkable.
53. Bin
Refined, cultivated.
54. Ye/Yeh
Ceremony, propriety.
55. Mae
Plum blossom.
56. Hwan
Bright, shining.
57. Geum
Gold.
58. Seong/Sung
Castle, fortress.
59. Pyeon/Pyun
Comfortable, convenient.
60. Yun
Governor.
61. Cheon/Chun
Heaven, sky.
62. Bok
Blessing, fortune.
63. Jeon
Money, coin.
64. Byeong
Bright.
65. Pan
Half.
66. Shin
New.
67. Joo
Red; precious.
68. Suk/Seok
Rock, stone
69. Kye/Gye
Plan, scheme.
70. Pil
Aid; writing.
71. Maeng
Field; brave.
72. Heo
To permit.
73. Byung
Soldier, authority.
74. San
Mountain.
75. Myeong
Bright, clear.
76. Eum
Sound, tone.
77. Jang
Chief, head.
78. Paek
Cedar, white.
79. Toh
To prevent.
80. Bak
Gourd.
81. Guk
Country.
82. Eun
Silver.
83. Tae
Great, grand.
84. Sa
Scholar, historian.
85. Ip
Standing, erect.
86. Hae
Sea.
87. Chi
Wisdom, intelligence.
88. Il
One, first.
89. Yeom
Strict, severe.
90. Hyeon
Virtuous, worthy.
91. Ak
Music.
92. Kuk
Country, valley.
93. Baik
Cypress.
94. Hyun
Wise, virtuous.
95. Nam
South.
96. Chai
Firewood.
97. Sun
Good, virtuous.
98. Wang
King.
99. Chae
All.
100. Ga
House, home.
101. Ahn
Tranquil, peaceful.
102. Choe
High.
103. Dang
Party, faction.
104. Eom
Strict, stern.
105. Kwai
Precious.
106. Kwan
Strength; border pass.
107. Im
Forest.
108. Jeong
Quiet, still; upright.
109. Kwon
Authority.
110. Mok
Tree, wood.
111. Ryoo
Willow tree.
112. Ok
Jade.
113. Pyeong
Peace, tranquility.
114. Kwock
A surrounding area.
115. Mun
Door, gate; writing.
116. Tcha
Difference, gap.
117. Woo
Universe, cosmos.
118. Yook
Nurture, raise.
119. Myung
Brilliant.
120. Deok
Virtue, morality.
121. Yi
Plum tree.
122. Pu
Simple.
123. Hee
Bright, shining.
124. Reeh
Plum tree.
125. Whang
Yellow.
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