Introduction
In this article, we will explore the world of Royal Korean surnames. Korean last names hold a significant place in Korean culture and society. They are derived from various sources such as clan names, geographic locations, and noble titles. Royal Korean surnames, in particular, are those that were reserved for members of the Korean royal family and their descendants. These surnames are considered to be prestigious and have a rich history behind them.
The 18 Royal Korean Surnames
Only 18 surnames were designated as Royal Korean surnames during the Joseon Dynasty. These surnames were reserved exclusively for members of the royal family and their descendants. The 18 Royal Korean surnames are Lee, Kim, Park, Jeong, Yang, Jang, Seo, Yoon, Cheon, Choi, Yun, Ha, Hwang, Hong, Ham, Kang, Kwon, and Go.
Lee – The Most Common Royal Korean Surname
Lee is the most common surname among Koreans and is also one of the 18 Royal Korean surnames. It is estimated that more than 22% of Koreans have the surname Lee. The Lee family played a significant role in Korean history and produced several notable figures, including King Sejong the Great who invented the Korean alphabet.
Kim – A Noble Surname with a Rich History
Kim is another common surname in Korea and is also one of the 18 Royal Korean surnames. The Kim family had a long history of serving as high officials in the government during the Joseon Dynasty. One of the most famous Kim figures in Korean history is Admiral Yi Sun-sin who led several victorious naval battles against Japan during the Imjin War.
Park – A Surname with Multiple Origins
Park is a Korean surname with multiple origins. Some people with the surname Park trace their lineage back to the royal family, while others come from various clans around Korea. The Park family played a significant role in Korean history and produced several notable figures, including Park Chung-hee who served as President of South Korea from 1963 to 1979.
Jeong – A Surname with Confucian Roots
Jeong is a Korean surname with Confucian roots. The Jeong family was known for their adherence to Confucian principles and produced several high officials during the Joseon Dynasty. The most famous Jeong figure in Korean history is Jeong Yak-yong, a scholar who played a significant role in promoting practical learning and scientific knowledge in Korea.
Yang – A Surname with Military Roots
Yang is a Korean surname with military roots. The Yang family produced several high-ranking military officials during the Joseon Dynasty and played a significant role in defending Korea against foreign invasions. The most famous Yang figure in Korean history is General Yang Man-chun who led the defense against the Mongol invasion in the 14th century.
Jang – A Surname with Scholarly Roots
Jang is a Korean surname with scholarly roots. The Jang family produced several prominent scholars and writers during the Joseon Dynasty and played a significant role in promoting literary and cultural achievements in Korea. The most famous Jang figure in Korean history is Jang Hyeong, a scholar who was known for his expertise in Chinese literature.
Seo – A Surname with Aristocratic Roots
Seo is a Korean surname with aristocratic roots. The Seo family was one of the oldest and most influential noble families in Korea and produced several high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty. The most famous Seo figure in Korean history is Seo Jang-geum, a royal physician who became the first female physician to serve in the royal court.
Cheon – A Surname with Shamanistic Roots
Cheon is a Korean surname with shamanistic roots. The Cheon family was known for their expertise in shamanism and produced several prominent shamans during the Joseon Dynasty. The most famous Cheon figure in Korean history is Cheon Ji-in, a shaman who played a significant role in shaping Korean folklore and mythology.
Choi – A Surname with Military and Scholarly Roots
Choi is a Korean surname with military and scholarly roots. The Choi family produced several high-ranking military officials and scholars during the Joseon Dynasty and played a significant role in promoting military and intellectual achievements in Korea. The most famous Choi figure in Korean history is Choi Seung-rok, a general who played a significant role in defending Korea against foreign invasions.
Yun – A Surname with Multiple Origins
Yun is a Korean surname with multiple origins. Some people with the surname Yun trace their lineage back to the royal family, while others come from various clans around Korea. The Yun family played a significant role in Korean history and produced several notable figures, including Yun Posun who served as President of South Korea from 1960 to 1962.
Ha – A Surname with Aristocratic Roots
Ha is a Korean surname with aristocratic roots. The Ha family was one of the oldest and most influential noble families in Korea and produced several high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty. The most famous Ha figure in Korean history is Ha Yeon-sil, a royal concubine who played a significant role in shaping Korean politics and culture.
Hwang – A Surname with Aristocratic Roots
Hwang is a Korean surname with aristocratic roots. The Hwang family was one of the oldest and most influential noble families in Korea and produced several high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty. The most famous Hwang figure in Korean history is Hwang Jini, a famous gisaeng who was known for her beauty and talent.
Hong – A Surname with Aristocratic Roots
Hong is a Korean surname with aristocratic roots. The Hong family was one of the oldest and most influential noble families in Korea and produced several high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty. The most famous Hong figure in Korean history is Hong Gildong, a fictional character who is considered to be the Korean Robin Hood.
Ham – A Surname with Noble Roots
Ham is a Korean surname with noble roots. The Ham family produced several high-ranking officials and scholars during the Joseon Dynasty and played a significant role in promoting literary and cultural achievements in Korea. The most famous Ham figure in Korean history is Ham Seok-heon, a scholar who was known for his expertise in Neo-Confucianism.
Kang – A Surname with Aristocratic Roots
Kang is a Korean surname with aristocratic roots. The Kang family was one of the oldest and most influential noble families in Korea and produced several high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty. The most famous Kang figure in Korean history is Kang Hyeon-jo, a scholar who played a significant role in promoting practical learning and scientific knowledge in Korea.
Who is the last royal bloodline of Korea?
The Yi family, also known as the Yi dynasty (sometimes spelled as Lee dynasty), was the ruling family of the Joseon dynasty in Korea and later became the imperial family of the Korean Empire. They were descended from the Joseon founder, Yi Seong-gye, and all of his descendants belong to the Jeonju Yi clan.
Is there any royal family in Korea?
The Imperial Family of Korea was established by King Seong-gye Lee in July 1392 and ruled over the Joseon and Korean Empire. Their role is to represent the Korean people and embody values such as love, human rights, peace, freedom, and solidarity.
What is the highest surname in Korea?
Kim
This is a list of Korean names, in Hangul alphabetical order. Note: (S) denotes South Korea. (N) denotes North Korea. The most common Korean surname (particularly in South Korea) is Kim, followed by Lee (Rhee, Yi) (second most common) and Park (Pak) (third most common).
What Korean surnames mean king?
Wang is a Korean surname that originated in China and means ‘king’ or ‘monarch’.
Which is the most royal clan in Korea?
This family is known by several names, including House of Han and Han clan of Cheongju. According to Wikipedia, the Cheongju Han clan has been regarded as one of the most prestigious clans in Korea since the Gojoseon era.
When did Korea get rid of royalty?
The Korean Empire came to an end after it was annexed by Japan in 1910.
Kwon – A Surname with Military Roots
Kwon is a Korean surname with military roots. The Kwon family produced several high-ranking military officials during the Joseon Dynasty and played a significant role in defending Korea against foreign invasions. The most famous Kwon figure in Korean history is Kwon Yul, a general who led the defense against Japanese invasions in the late 16th century.
Go – A Surname with Noble Roots
Go is a Korean surname with noble roots. The Go family produced several high-ranking officials and scholars during the Joseon Dynasty and played a significant role in promoting literary and cultural achievements in Korea. The most famous Go figure in Korean history is Gojong of Joseon, the last king of the Joseon Dynasty who oversaw the modernization of Korea during his reign.
In conclusion, Royal Korean surnames hold a significant place in Korean culture and society, as they are associated with prestigious families that played a significant role in shaping Korean history. The 18 Royal Korean surnames are Lee, Kim, Park, Jeong, Yang, Jang, Seo, Yoon, Cheon, Choi, Yun, Ha, Hwang, Hong, Ham, Kang, Kwon, and Go. Each surname has its unique history and significance in Korean culture.