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Korean Names Explained: Structure, Kim/Lee/Park, Name Order
Korean name structure, family-name-first order, and why Kim, Lee, and Park are so common.
Published on February 3, 2026
A Korean name usually has 3 syllables: family name first (김 Kim, 이 Lee, 박 Park), then the given name. Here's exactly how it works.
The Structure of a Korean Name
A Korean name typically has 3 syllables:
| Position | Role | Example (김민준) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Family name | 김 (Kim) |
| 2nd | Given name (part 1) | 민 (Min) |
| 3rd | Given name (part 2) | 준 (Jun) |
The order is reversed compared to English: family name BEFORE first name.
The 5 Most Common Family Names
| # | Name | Hangeul | % of population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kim | 김 | 21.5% |
| 2 | Lee/Yi | 이 | 14.7% |
| 3 | Park | 박 | 8.4% |
| 4 | Choi | 최 | 4.7% |
| 5 | Jung | 정 | 4.3% |
💡 Over 50% of Koreans are named Kim, Lee, or Park!
Why So Many Kims?
Historically, family names were reserved for the nobility (양반, yangban). When commoners gained the right to adopt family names, many chose the most prestigious ones.
K-pop Idol Names
Most idols use stage names:
| Real name | Stage name | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 김남준 | RM | BTS |
| 박채영 | Rosé | BLACKPINK |
| 방찬 | Bang Chan | Stray Kids |
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