Their surnames began to be used in the ancient time, only by royal families until the early period of three kingdoms (Koguryo, Paekje and Silla).

Later, the surnames became popular, taken by even commoners from the period of Koryo kingdom (918-1392).

Surnames most common in Korea are Kim, Ri, Pak, Choe and Jong.

There were some 30 two-letter surnames, but only 10 of them remain, including Tokko, Sonu and Hwangbo.

Surnames Hae, Song and Rye have existed from the ancient time.

The Japanese imperialists, during their colonial rule over Korea, established "offices for changing Koreans' names to Japanese ones" in all parts of the country, through which they forced Koreans to change their surnames and names.

They, however, could not deprive the Korean people of their national identity.