Park (Korean surname)
Park or Bak, is the third-most-common surname in Korea, traditionally traced back to King Hyeokgeose Park and theoretically inclusive of all of his descendants. The name Park or Bak is usually assumed to come from the Korean noun Bak, which means "gourd." As of the South Korean census of 2015, there were 4,192,074 people by this name in South Korea or roughly 8.4% of the population.
Founding legend
All the Park clans in Korea trace their ancestry back to the first king of Silla, Hyeokgeose. According to a legend, the leaders of the six clans of the Jinhan confederacy were gathering on a hilltop to choose a king, when they looked down and saw lightning strike at the foot of the Yangsan mountain and a white horse bow at the same place. When they went there to check, they found a red egg, which hatched a baby boy. They bathed the boy in the nearby stream and he was emitting bright light and the sun and the moon rose at the same time, indicating the divine birth of the child. Thus the child was named Hyeokgeose, meaning "ruling with a bright light" and his clan name became Bak or "gourd" after the round shape of the egg he hatched from. At age 13 he was given the title geoseogan, the equivalent of "king" at the time. The birth legends of early Korean kings were necessary to validate the "divine" nature of their rule.Clans
As with other Korean surnames, different lineages, known as bon-gwan or clans, are inherited from a father by his children. These designate the region of Korea or paternal ancestor, from which they claim to originate. Out of the kings of Silla, ten had the Park surname. During the rule of King Pasa, the Park clans became divided and during the reign of King Gyeongmyeong they became even more fractured, creating several lineages. This is when the nine Park clans named after the nine sons of Gyeongmyeong came into existence.70–80% of the current bearers of the surname belong to the Miryang Bak clan. In 2015, there were 314 Bak clans in South Korea, with about 4.19 million people altogether.
The clans which produced the most number of notable people in Korean history are collectively called the "8 Parks", these are: the Miryang Park clan, the Bannam Park clan, the Goryeong Park clan, the Hamyang Park clan, the Juksan Park clan, the Suncheon Park clan, the Muan Park clan and the Chungju Park clan.
Clan name | Clan progenitor | Percentage |
Miryang | Grand Prince Eon-chim of Milseong, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 74.04 |
Hamyang | Bak Seon, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 3.9 |
Others | Ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 3.8 |
Bannam | Lord Hojang, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 3.8 |
Suncheon | Bak Yeong Kyu, Gyeon Hwon's son-in-law, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 3.8 |
Juksan | Grand Prince Eunnip of Juksan, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 1.5 |
Goryeong | Park Eun-seong, Grand Prince of Goyang, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 1.0 |
Yeonghae | Park Je-sang, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 0.7 |
Chungju | Park Sang, ultimately from Hyeokgeose of Silla | 0.8 |
Marriage within a clan
Traditionally, a man and a woman in the same clan could not marry, so the combination of the bon-gwan and the family name of a husband had to differ from those of his wife. Until 1997, this was also the law, but this was ruled unconstitutional.Position in society
King Hyeokgeose was said to have founded the Korean kingdom of Silla at the age of thirteen in 57 BC. Bak was one of three houses of the Korean kingdom of Silla. Among the houses of Bak, Gim, and Seok, princes rotated on the throne of Silla. According to historical records, all three houses have been recorded as having worshipped the founding father, Bak Hyeokgeose as their ancestral shrine. For example, the 4th king Talhae of Silla, the 9th king Beolhyu of Silla, the 10th king Naehae of Silla, the 11th king Jobun of Silla, the 12th king Cheomhae of Silla, the 14th King Yurye of Silla and the 15th king Girim of Silla were house of Seok, but according to the Samguk sagi Silla bongi, all of them worshipped Bak Hyeokgeose as their progenitor. In addition, the 13th king Michu of Silla, the 16th king Heulhae of Silla, the 17th king Naemul of Silla, the 18th king Silseong of Silla, the 19th king Nulji of Silla, the 20th king Jabi of Silla, the 21st king Soji of Silla, the 22nd king Jijeung of Silla, the 40th king Aejang of Silla, the 41st king Heondeok of Silla and the 42nd king Heungdeok of Silla are descendants of Gim Al-ji, but according to the Samguk sagi Silla bongi, all of them worshipped Bak Hyeokgeose as their progenitor. In addition, according to Samguk sagi, the Shrine Shingung was founded in the birthplace of the progenitor Bak Hyeokgeose and every king has been recorded as paying their respects at this shrine. All of these historical records imply that the three lineages of Bak, Seok, and Gim worshipped Bak Hyeokgeose as their founding ancestor.When Seonggols have died out followed by two consecutive queens, Kim Chun-Chu from Jingol began to monopolize the throne, which lasts 258 years. However, even during this period, the Kims did not fully occupy the throne. In the later period of Silla, the Bak clan from Jingol succeed in restoring the throne. During the last century of the dynasty, the Bak clan from Jingol regained the ruling house position in 728 years. However, the Bak dynasty was cut off when Gyeongae of Silla was forced to commit suicide by Gyeon Hwon of the Hubaekje Kingdom. The reign of the Bak clan lasted only 15 years. After that, Gim Bu became the last king of Silla, but soon surrendered to the Wang Geon of Goryeo and Silla finally collapsed in 992 years.
During the Unified Silla the Miryang Bak Clan, along with Gimhae Gim clan became the most prominent of the aristocracy, based on the bone rank system. Within the bone rank system, the two clans of Gimhae Gims and Miryang Baks were considered the most Jingol, or "True Bone". As Seong gol, or Divine bones died out through intermarriage, these two clans became the dominant noble houses on the peninsula following the conquest of rival dynasties.
After the fall of Silla, it continued as a major noble house of Goryeo. During the Goryeo dynasty, many of the people who passed the highest-level state examination, which was implemented to recruit ranking officials during the Goryeo dynasty, were Parks. The first General to defeat the Mongols in world history was General Park Seo, who commanded the successful defense of the fortress of Guju in 1231 against the forces led by Mongol General Sartaq.
During Joseon dynasty, Parks continued to thrive as one of the main Yangban households. With the Gabo Reform of 1894, when the caste system was abolished, some peasants adopted the surname of Park, bloating the population of the Park family. Simultaneously with the abolition of the Gwageo national service examination, the Yangban system came to an end. During the Japanese Occupation Period, three of the ten :ko:귀족원 #조선인 귀족원 의원|Korean aristocrats admitted into :ko:일본 제국의회|Japanese House of Peers were of the Park Clan.
According to Kojiki, Nihon Shoki and, one of Bak Princes, recorded in various names as Amenohiboko, Amenohihoko, Hiboko, Amenohibokonomikoto, Amenohibokonomikoto and Amanohiboko migrated to Japan in 27 BC and clan, Miyake clan, clan, clan, clan and Tajimamori are recorded as descendants of Amenohiboko. Also, according to Kojiki, Nihon Shoki,, and Shinsen Shōjiroku, Amenohiboko and Emperor Ōjin are depicted as the same person and Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan is recorded as 's younger brother.
Family lineage
Notable people
Kings
Kings of Silla in order of their reign:- King Hyeokgeose of Silla
- King Namhae of Silla
- King Yuri of Silla
- King Pasa of Silla
- King Jima of Silla
- King Ilseong of Silla
- King Adalla of Silla
- King Sindeok of Silla
- King Gyeongmyeong of Silla
- King Gyeongae of Silla
Historical people
- General Park Seo
- Park Soon :ko:박순 . Military subordinate to Taejo of Joseon. Accompanied Taejo in all military campaigns from the anti-Japanese pirate campaigns in the south to Liaodong invasion of 1388. Personally delivered the message of Redeployment from Wihwado to King Ui of Goryeo in behalf of Taejo. Was appointed the high commander of Joseon Army following the founding of the dynasty. Killed during the Northeastern Rebellion of 1398 :ko:조사의의 난
- Pak Paeng-nyeon was a scholar-official of the early Joseon Dynasty, and is known as one of the six martyred ministers. He was born to a yangban family of the Suncheon Pak lineage, and was the son of high minister Pak Jeongrim. He joined in a plot to overthrow Sejo and restore Danjong in 1456, but the plot was uncovered through the betrayal of fellow plotter Kim Jil. Sejo admired Pak's abilities and offered to pardon him if he were to deny his involvement and acknowledge Sejo as his king. Park died in prison from torture. Revered as a model of Confucian Loyalty. Alone among the six martyred ministers to have a surviving male descendant. One of his female servant passed off his youngest son as her own, thereby ensuring the family name. All other family and relatives were executed.
- Park Joong Seon :ko:박중선 Passed the National Military Service Exam with the highest score in 1460 at the age of 35. Held in high esteem by the new King Sejo for his excellent riding and archery skills, frequently accompanying the king as his personal body guard on hunts. Married off his daughter to the Crown Prince in 1366, becoming an in-law of the King. In 1367, appointed a Provincial General to put down the Northeastern Rebellion, earning further accolades becoming the youngest Minister of Defense in Joseon history.
- Park Jin Served in the military intelligence following his passing of the national military service exam. Transferred to Infantry 4 years before the Japanese Invasion of 1592. Defeated by the Japanese at the Battle of Miryang, before regaining his honor in follow on victories, including the battle of Yeongcheon and the Second Battle of Gyeongju. Was instrumental in convincing Sayaga, the highest ranking Samurai General of the invasion force to surrender. In 1597, near the end of the war, a Ming Chinese General 누승선 accused him falsely of disobeying official order, tortured him, resulting in his death. Korean investigators confirmed broken ribs and sternum on his body.
- Park Yeon . Jan Janse de Weltevree, after his 1627 shipwreck, was drowned to Jeju Island and was not allowed to leave Korea. Thus he adopted a Korean name.
- Pak Jega was a Korean Scholar of Practical Learning Silhak who advocated modern commercial reformation for Joseon dynasty after visiting China on official capacity. A strong critic of the Confucian scholars first mentality, he was banished to the provinces in 1805.
- Park Gyu-su 박규수. He passed the national service exam in 1848, and as an inspector, put down the 1862 Peasant Rebellion in Jinju, reducing the tax burden and punishing the corrupt official of the city. As the Inspector General of Pyeong An Province in 1866, when USS General Sherman General Sherman Incident made its expedition into Pyeong Yang, ordered the attack on the ship when the sailors began attacking and looting the populace, resulting in the burning and sinking of the ship. Also a geographer, cartographer, and poet in the classical style. Became a notable member of the modernization movement in late Joseon until his death in 1877.
- Park Jeong Yang :ko:박정양 was the First Ambassador of Joseon to the United States in 1887, and a member of Kim Hong Jip cabinet.
Soldiers
- Militia Leader Park KiSeo
- General Park Jong Heon
Actors
- Park Bo-gum
- Park Jin-young
- Park Geun-hyung
- Park In-hwan, Korean actor
- Park Hae-il
- Park Hae-jin
- Randall Park, American actor born to Korean emigrants
- Park Yong-ha
- Park Yu-hwan- an actor, younger brother of Park Yoochun
- Park Seo-joon
- Park Shin-yang
- Park Sang Min
- Park Hyung-sik
Actresses
- Park Won-sook
- Park Min-young
- Park Han-byul
- Park Hee-jung
- Park Hwan-hee
- Park Eun-hye
- Park Si-yeon
- Grace Park
- Hettienne Park
- Soo Ae
- Park Shin-hye
- Linda Park
- Park Bo-young
- Park Eun-bin
- Park Jeong-ah
- Park Sol-mi
- Park Yoo-chun
- Park Yoo-hwan
- Sydney Park
Athletes
- Dong Keun Park – Grandmaster of Taekwondo
- Bak Inbi – South Korean golfer
- Angela Park - Brazilian-American golfer of Korean descent
- Jane Park – American golfer of Korean descent
- Park Ji-Sung – South Korean footballer
- Park Joo-Young – South Korean footballer
- Park Chan-Ho – South Korean baseball player
- Park Jong-il – South Korean ski mountaineer
- Pak Se-Ri – South Korean golfer
- Park Tae-Hwan – South Korean swimmer
- Park Joo Bong – South Korean badminton player
- Piao Cheng, Korean-Chinese football player
- Park Sang-young – South Korean épée fencer
- Park Sung-hyun – South Korean golfer
- Park Seung-hi – South Korean short track speed skater.
Comedians
- Park Kyung-lim
Directors
- Annabel Park, American documentary filmmaker and activist
- Park Chan-wook, South Korean director
- Park Nam-ok, first Korean woman director
Literary figures
- Park Chong-hwa, Korean novelist
- Park Hyoung-su, Korean novelist
- Park In-hwan, Korean author
- Park Jaesam, Korean poet
- Park Nam-su, Korean poet
- Park Taesun, Korean novelist
- Park Tae Won, Korean novelist
- Park Wan-suh, Korean novelist
- Park Yeonghan, Korean author
- Park Yong-rae, Korean author
- Park Ynhui, Korean poet and writer
Politicians
- Park Chung-hee, former President of South Korea
- Park Geun-hye, former President of South Korea, daughter of Park Chung-hee
- Pak Song-chol
- Park Won-soon
- Park Ji-won, born 1942.
Singers
- Park Bom, former member of South Korean girl group 2NE1
- Park Boram, South Korean singer
- Park Chanyeol member of South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo
- Park Chaewon, member of South Korean girl group Loona
- Roseanne Park Chaeyoung – member of South Korean girl group Blackpink
- Park Choong Jae, member of South Korean boy group Shinhwa
- Park Choa, former member of South Korean girl group AOA
- Park Chorong, member of South Korean girl group Apink
- Park Eun Hye, South Korean singer
- Park Eunji, former member of South Korean girl group Nine Muses
- Park Gyuri, former member of South Korean girl group Kara
- Park Hye-kyeong, former member of South Korean girl group Crayon Pop
- Park Hyo-jin, member of South Korean girl group Brown Eyed Girls
- Park Hyomin, member of South Korean girl group T-ara
- Park Hyoshin, South Korean singer
- Park Hyung-sik, actor, singer and member of South Korean boy group
- Park Jae-bum, Korean American singer, rapper, and dancer; former member of South Korean boy group 2PM
- Park Jae-hyung, Korean-American singer and lead guitarist of South Korean rock band Day6
- Park Jae-sang, South Korean rapper
- Park Ji-hoon, member of South Korean boy group Wanna One and soloist
- Park Ji-min, member of South Korean singing duo 15&, also known as Jamie Park
- Park Jimin, member of South Korean boy group BTS
- Park Jin-woo, leader of South Korean boy group Astro
- Park Jin-young, member of South Korean boy group GOT7 and its subgroup JJ Project
- Park Jin-young, South Korean singer-songwriter; founder and CEO of JYP Entertainment
- Park Jihyo, member and leader of South Korean girl group Twice
- Park Ji-sung, member of South Korean boy band NCT
- Park Jiwon, member of South Korean girl group Fromis 9
- Park Ji-won, rapper, singer, leader of South Korean girl group Everglow
- Park Jiyeon, member of South Korean girl group T-ara
- Park Jiyeon, South Korean singer
- Park Jiyoon, South Korean singer
- Park Jiyoung, former member of South Korean girl group After School
- Park Joon-hyung, member of South Korean boy group g.o.d
- Park Jung-ah, former member of South Korean girl group Jewelry
- Park Jung-hwa, member of South Korean girl group EXID
- Lena Park, Korean-American singer
- Park Jung Min, member of South Korean boy group SS501
- Park Jungsoo, member of South Korean boy group Super Junior
- Park Kyung, member of South Korean hip-hop boy group Block B
- Park Kyungri, member of South Korean girl group Nine Muses
- Park Minha, former member of South Korean girl group Nine Muses
- Park Min-hyuk, member of South Korean boy group Astro
- Park Mi-yeon, member of South Korean girl group Dal Shabet
- Park Myeong-su, South Korean singer and comedian
- Park Myung-eun, member of South Korean girl group Lovelyz
- Park Narae, former member of South Korean girl group Spica
- Sandara Park, former member of South Korean girl group 2NE1
- Park Sang Hyun, singer, rapper, former member of South Korean boy band MBLAQ
- Park Seoham, member of South Korean boy band KNK
- Park Seonghwa, member of South Korean boy band Ateez
- Park Shion
- Park Sihyun, former member of South Korean girl group Spica
- Park Siyeon, member of South Korean girl group Pristin
- Park Sojin, member of South Korean girl group Girl's Day
- Park Sooyoung, former member of South Korean girl group After School
- Park Sooyoung, member of South Korean girl group Red Velvet
- Park Soyeon, member of South Korean girl group T-ara
- Park Subin, member of South Korean girl group Dal Shabet
- Park Sungjin, South Korean singer, rhythm guitarist and leader of South Korean rock band Day6
- Park Sungwon, member of South Korean boy group 1THE9
- Park Sun-young, member of Chinese-South Korean girl group f
- Teddy Park, member of South Korean hip-hop group 1TYM
- Park Woojin, former member of South Korean boy group Wanna One and member of AB6IX
- Park Ye-eun, former member of South Korean girl group Wonder Girls
- Park Yoochun, former member of South Korean boy group DBSK, member of South Korean boy group JYJ
Voice actors
- Romi Park
Other
- Park Jeong-hwan – South Korean professional Go player
- Piao Wenyao, Chinese professional Go player
- Park Kun-bae
- Park Young-sook – Futurist, Founder of the Korea Foster Care Association
- Suji Park, Korean-New Zealand ceramic sculptor and artist
- Park Hye-min, South Korean beauty vlogger and make-up artist
Fictional characters
- Park, a character on Hey Arnold!
- Linda Park, a character in the Flash series of comics from DC Comics
- Park Sheridan, a book character from the Novel, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Glory Park, a book character from the novel Every Anxious Wave by Mo Daviau
- Soojin Park, a character in Hena Khan's novel Amina's Voice.