How to Choose a Korean Family Name as a Foreigner

How to Choose a Korean Family Name as a Foreigner

In Korea, the family name (성, Seong) is very important.
If you are a foreigner choosing a Korean name, here are tips.

1. The Most Common Family Names

• Kim (김, 21%)
• Lee (이/리, 15%)
• Park (박, 8%)
• Choi (최, 5%)
• Jung (정, 5%)

2. Choosing Based on Sound

Pick a name easy to pronounce with your given name.
Example: Emma → Lee Emma (이 엠마).

3. Choosing Based on Meaning

Each family name has Chinese character roots.

• Kim (金) → gold, metal
• Park (朴) → plain, simple

4. What to Avoid

• Very rare family names may confuse Koreans.
• Using double family names is not traditional.

✨ For most foreigners, Kim, Lee, or Park are the safest and most natural choices.