My Korean Name

How do Korean names work?

A Korean name usually has three syllables: a one-syllable family name first, then a two-syllable given name. In Kim Seo-yeon, Kim is the family name and Seo-yeon is the given name.

What is hanja?

Many given names are written with hanja, Chinese characters used in Korea. Each character carries a meaning, so parents choose them like wishes for their child. Some names, like Ha-neul (sky), are native Korean words with no hanja.

How is my name chosen?

Your birth month picks one of twelve common family names. Your name, birthday and the style you pick choose a popular given name. The same answers always give the same name, so it's yours to keep.