Korean naming traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s values around family, identity, and heritage. Unlike many Western cultures where women often take their husband’s surname after marriage, South Korean women traditionally retain their maiden names, a practice deeply rooted in historical norms and the desire to preserve family lineage. This tradition extends to children, who typically inherit their father’s surname, further solidifying the paternal line.

However, as South Korea’s society becomes increasingly globalized, naming conventions are evolving. From multicultural families choosing dual surnames to naturalized citizens creating new, Koreanized versions of their original names, modern South Korean naming practices reflect both tradition and adaptability. This article explores these shifts, examining the cultural significance of Korean naming traditions of surnames in marriage and family life, the rise of dual surnames, and how contemporary Koreans are redefining what a family name means in today’s world.

1. Do Korean Wives Take Their Husbands’ Names?

In South Korea, it is uncommon for a woman to take her husband’s surname upon marriage. This tradition, rooted in the values of the Joseon Dynasty, reflects a deep cultural emphasis on individual family heritage and the preservation of lineage. Korean civil law reinforces this practice by not requiring name changes at marriage. Unlike in Western countries, where name changes signify unity or family identity, Korean society views surnames as immutable markers of lineage and ancestry. Consequently, most Korean women retain their maiden names throughout their lives, which connects them closely to their own family heritage.

2. What About Children’s Family Names in Korean naming traditions?

Typically, Korean children inherit their father’s surname, following the paternal lineage. However, as South Korea becomes increasingly globalized, a shift in naming practices is emerging. Multicultural families, in particular, are experimenting with alternative naming conventions, such as dual surnames, to better represent both parents’ identities and origins. This practice, though still uncommon, is gaining traction and symbolizes the growing value placed on gender equality and family inclusivity in modern South Korea.

In families choosing this route, children may receive both the father’s and mother’s surnames. This approach offers a meaningful way to honor both sides of the family, aligning with a modern view of family structure where both parents’ contributions are recognized. Dual surnames are still rare, but their adoption reflects societal changes, particularly as more women are active in professional fields and take on greater family responsibilities. 

3. How Common is the Rise of Dual or Non-Korean Family Names?

The rise of dual family names in South Korea highlights the country’s evolving multicultural identity and shifting perspectives on tradition. Increasing international marriages and naturalizations are partly driving this trend, as new citizens of diverse backgrounds seek to adopt or modify Korean names to integrate smoothly while honoring their heritage. According to recent census data, around 4,800 new surnames, many with foreign origins or unique combinations, have been recorded in the past 15 years. These new surnames frequently break from the conventional one-syllable Korean structure, as families create surnames that reflect their multicultural identities.

For example, some naturalized Koreans adapt their original surnames by shortening them to a single syllable that aligns with Korean conventions. An individual with the surname “Lei,” for instance, might simplify it to “Le” for a smoother fit within Korean culture, as noted by an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government who works with naturalized citizens​

While traditional surnames like Kim, Lee, and Park continue to dominate the population, the steady increase in non-traditional and foreign-origin names reflects South Korea’s diverse society. This growing diversity signifies a shift in cultural identity, where the Korean naming system increasingly accommodates global influences while still preserving core elements of Korean naming traditions.