Korean Surnames Encyclopedia

Unlike many Western cultures where surnames changed based on occupation or location, Korean surnames have remained remarkably stable for over a thousand years. They represent a "Bon-gwan" (ancestral seat), connecting every individual back to a specific geographic origin and a founding ancestor.

Today, the five most common surnames—Kim, Lee, Park, Choi, and Jung—account for over 50% of the entire South Korean population. This unique concentration reflects the deep familial bonds and historical continuity of the Korean people.