125 Beautiful Korean Last Names and Their Meanings

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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