Korean Names

Korean names consist of a family name followed by a given name. Most Korean given names are comprised of two syllables, though some only have one.

The three most common family names in Korea are 김 (Kim), 이 (Yi, often written Lee), and 박 (Park). Together, these three names account for around 45% of the population.
Family name groups are divided by patrilineal decent into branches or clans. (There are about 280 such branches of Kim). Until recently, it was illegal for people of the same branch to marry, no matter how distantly related. Branches are usually identified by a place name where the clan is said to have originated, such as ‘Kyeongju Kim’.
Common Korean family names:

김     이     박        최              정        조         장
Kim  Yi    Pak    Choe   Cheong   Cho   Chang

윤       신      한         홍      유       강       송
Yun   Sin   Han   Hong   Yu   Kang   Song

 

Korean given names are typically comprised of Sino-Korean characters, 한자 (hanja), traditionally chosen with the help of a fortune-teller. Some parents now give their children names that can only be written in the Korean alphabet, 한글 (hangeul).