my-korean1-2nd-ed

14
Korean Names
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Korean names consist of a family name followed by a given name. Most
Korean given names are comprised of two syllables, though some only have
one.
The three most common family names in Korea are 김 (Kim), 이 (Yi, often
written Lee), and 박 (Park). Together, these three names account for around
45% of the population.
Family name groups are divided by patrilineal decent into branches or clans.
(There are about 280 such branches of Kim). Until recently, it was illegal
for people of the same branch to marry, no matter how distantly related.
Branches are usually identified by a place name where the clan is said to
have originated, such as ‘Kyeongju Kim’.
Common Korean family names:
김 이 박 최 정 조 장
Kim Yi Pak Choe Cheong Cho Chang
윤 신 한 홍 유 강 송
Yun Sin Han Hong Yu Kang Song
Korean given names are typically comprised of Sino-Korean characters,
한자 (hanja), traditionally chosen with the help of a fortune-teller. Some
parents now give their children names that can only be written in the Korean
alphabet, 한글 (hangeul).