Origens e herança dos principais sobrenomes coreanos
Korea has roughly 300 surnames, yet just five — Kim (김), Lee (이), Park (박), Choi (최), and Jung (정) — account for about 54% of the population. This concentration is partly explained by the Joseon dynasty's aristocratic culture, where acquiring a prestigious surname through adoption or reclassification was common, and by the post-Japanese-colonial-era restoration period when many rare surnames were consolidated.
Every Korean surname comes with a bon-gwan (본관) — a clan seat indicating geographic origin. Two people with the surname Kim may belong to entirely different bloodlines: Gyeongju Kim (경주 김씨), Gimhae Kim (김해 김씨), or Andong Kim (안동 김씨) are distinct clans with separate founding ancestors. Over 4,000 registered bon-gwan exist in Korea today, each representing a unique lineage traceable through clan genealogy records (족보).
The most common Korean surname, held by about 21.5% of the population. It originates from the Silla Dynasty (57 BC–935 AD). The 13th Silla king first adopted the surname Kim. The founding myth says the clan emerged from a golden chest — Kim (金) meaning gold.
The second most common surname (~14.8%). Famous as the clan of Yi Seonggye, founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). The character 李 means "plum tree," symbolizing integrity and purity. The Jeonju Yi clan held great royal authority.
The third most common surname (~8.4%), tracing back to Park Hyeokgeose, the legendary founder of Silla (69 BC). According to myth, he was born from a large egg (박, meaning gourd). The name symbolizes simplicity and sincerity.
Descendant of the lord of one of Silla's six districts. The character 崔 means "lofty mountain," symbolizing ambition and dignity. The Gyeongju Choi clan was renowned for scholarship during the Joseon era and for staying wealthy yet incorruptible for over 300 years.
Originally from the ancient state of Zheng (鄭) in China, brought to Korea during the Goryeo period. The character means "quiet and composed." The clan is celebrated for producing many scholars, including the great Joseon thinker Jeong Yakyong (Dasan).
Descended from the legendary Chinese emperor Shennong, who lived near the Jiang River (姜水). The name is associated with ginger — symbolizing vitality and strength. The Jinju Kang clan was prominent in producing civil and military officials during the Joseon period.
Derived from the ancient three kingdoms of Samhan (마한·진한·변한). The character 韓 is the same as in "Korea" (한국/韓國), making this surname closely tied to Korean national identity. The clan is said to descend from King Jun of Gojoseon.
The character 尹 means "to govern" or "an official." The Papyeong Yoon clan traces its roots to the late Silla and early Goryeo period. Several Yoon clan members held high government positions during the Joseon Dynasty.
출처: 통계청 성씨별 인구현황 · 한국민족문화대백과사전