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source: Korea Be Inspired
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Korean names are generally composed of three syllables. When names are written in Korean, the family name goes before the given name, as opposed to in many Western cultures where the family name comes at the end. For example, in the case of Bae Yong-joon (a famous Korean actor) ‘Bae’ is the family name and ‘Yong-joon’ (Yong Joon) is the actor’s first name. Those who are unfamiliar with Korean names may ask if Joon is a middle name, but there are no middle names in Korea. Another point of difference is that the same name is rarely passed down from one generation to another.
Most Korean family names are only one syllable. There are approximately 250 family names in Korea, the most common of which are 'Kim,' 'Lee,' 'Park,' and 'Choi,' which account for 50% of all family names. Some family names are two syllables, like 'Namgung,' 'Seonu,' and 'Sagong,' but these kinds of names are very rare. Most given names are two syllables, but some can be one or three syllables.
Every name has a meaning
Korea has its own alphabet called Hangeul, but many names are based on Chinese characters. In recent years more and more people have been opting for Hangeul names. Since each Chinese symbol has a meaning, Korean names have deep significance. Many names made using Hangeul also have a meaning.
Let's use the example of Bae Yong-joon (배용준) again. Yong (勇) means ‘courage’ and Joon (俊) means ‘outstanding’. Interestingly enough, the name seems to fit the actor’s status as an internationally renowned star.
Many Korean people believe that a person's name can determine his or her fate. For this reason, Korean parents start thinking about their child’s name long before he or she is born.
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