300+ Korean Names for Boys (with Beautiful Meanings)

Korean names for boys offer something truly special – a perfect blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary appeal that’s capturing hearts worldwide. Whether you’re honoring Korean heritage, drawn to the beautiful meanings behind these names, or simply love how they sound, you’re about to discover a treasure trove of possibilities.

Picture this: I was at a coffee shop in Seattle when I overheard a little boy introduce himself as Jin-woo to his new classmates.

His name flowed so naturally, yet when his grandmother later explained it meant “precious” and “help” – representing their hopes for him to be both cherished and helpful to others – I was struck by the intentional beauty of Korean naming traditions.

That moment sparked my fascination with how Korean names carry such profound meaning while sounding effortlessly modern.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll explore 300+ carefully selected Korean names for boys, from time-honored traditional choices to contemporary favorites that reflect today’s global culture.

We’ll dive into meanings, cultural significance, and practical tips to help you find that perfect name that honors both heritage and personal style.

Traditional Korean Boy Names: Honoring Ancient Wisdom

Traditional Korean names draw from centuries of cultural wisdom, often incorporating Hanja (Chinese characters) that carry deep philosophical meanings. These names reflect values like virtue, wisdom, and strength that have guided Korean families for generations.

Explore more traditional Korean names

• Byung-ho (병호) – Bright and good, representing brilliance and virtue
• Chang-min (창민) – Flourishing and intelligent, for a prosperous future
• Dae-hyun (대현) – Great and wise, embodying leadership qualities
• Dong-wook (동욱) – East and rising, symbolizing new beginnings
• Eun-woo (은우) – Silver and help, representing precious assistance
• Gil-dong (길동) – Righteous path, for moral guidance
• Hae-won (해원) – Ocean and origin, connecting to vast possibilities
• In-soo (인수) – Benevolent and excellent, combining kindness with achievement
• Jong-soo (종수) – Bell and excellence, for someone who stands out
• Kyung-ho (경호) – Respect and goodness, embodying honor
• Min-ho (민호) – Quick and good, representing agility and virtue
• Nam-joon (남준) – South and talented, for southern warmth and ability
• Oh-sung (오성) – Five stars, representing completeness
• Pil-sung (필승) – Certain victory, for determination
• Sang-woo (상우) – Mutual and help, emphasizing cooperation
• Tae-hyung (태형) – Great and model, for exemplary character
• Woo-jin (우진) – Help and truth, combining assistance with honesty
• Young-soo (영수) – Forever and excellent, for lasting greatness
• Jun-ho (준호) – Talented and good, blending ability with virtue
• Seung-ho (승호) – Victory and goodness, for triumphant character
• Kwang-soo (광수) – Light and excellent, representing brilliance
• Myung-ho (명호) – Bright and good, for luminous character
• Jae-sung (재성) – Talent and success, for gifted achievement
• Hyun-woo (현우) – Wise and help, combining wisdom with assistance
• Ki-tae (기태) – Foundation and great, for strong character

Modern Korean Boy Names: Contemporary Choices for Today’s World

Modern Korean names often feature shorter syllables and sounds that work beautifully across cultures. These names reflect contemporary Korean society while maintaining meaningful connections to Korean language and values.

• Jimin (지민) – Wisdom and quickness, popularized by global K-pop success
• Taehyung (태형) – Great and model, combining traditional meaning with modern appeal
• Jungkook (정국) – Righteous country, representing patriotic spirit
• Jin (진) – Precious or truth, simple yet profound
• Suga (슈가) – Though stage name, represents sweetness and appeal
• Hoseok (호석) – Lake and stone, for stability and depth
• Namjoon (남준) – South and talented, leadership qualities
• Yoongi (윤기) – Shine and foundation, for radiant character
• Kai (카이) – Victory or ocean, internationally friendly
• Leo (레오) – Lion-hearted, strength with global appeal
• Noah (노아) – Rest and comfort, crossing cultural boundaries
• Ryan (라이언) – Little king, modern adaptation
• Ian (이안) – God’s gift, internationally recognized
• Eric (에릭) – Ever ruler, leadership qualities
• Kevin (케빈) – Gentle birth, contemporary choice
• Daniel (다니엘) – God judges, crossing religious traditions
• Alex (알렉스) – Defender, strong and simple
• Max (맥스) – Greatest, powerful meaning
• Luke (루크) – Light bringer, illuminating character
• Sam (샘) – Listener, thoughtful nature
• Jay (제이) – Victory, short and memorable
• Roy (로이) – King, regal simplicity
• Ray (레이) – Beam of light, radiant personality
• Ben (벤) – Son of right hand, blessed position
• Ken (켄) – Healthy and strong, vitality

Nature-Inspired Korean Boy Names: Drawing From Earth’s Beauty

Korean culture has deep connections to nature, and many beautiful boy names reflect this relationship with the natural world. These names often symbolize strength, growth, and harmony with the environment.

Discover more nature-inspired names

• San (산) – Mountain, representing strength and permanence
• Gang (강) – River, for flowing adaptability
• Hae (해) – Ocean or sun, vast possibilities
• Byul (별) – Star, for celestial guidance
• Dal (달) – Moon, representing gentle wisdom
• Bit (빛) – Light, illuminating character
• Nul (늘) – Always, for consistency
• Som (솜) – Cotton, representing softness
• Ip (잎) – Leaf, for growth and renewal
• Kkot (꽃) – Flower, for blooming potential
• Namu (나무) – Tree, representing strong roots
• Mul (물) – Water, for adaptability
• Baram (바람) – Wind, for freedom of spirit
• Haneul (하늘) – Sky, unlimited potential
• Ttang (땅) – Earth, for grounding
• Sup (숲) – Forest, representing abundance
• Iseul (이슬) – Dew, for fresh beginnings
• Gureum (구름) – Cloud, for dreamlike qualities
• Seonang (선앙) – Fresh and bright, morning qualities
• Cheonsa (천사) – Angel, divine protection
• Bomnal (봄날) – Spring day, for renewal
• Yeoreum (여름) – Summer, for warmth
• Gaeul (가을) – Autumn, for harvest wisdom
• Gyeoul (겨울) – Winter, for endurance
• Saebyeok (새벽) – Dawn, for new beginnings

Virtue and Strength Korean Boy Names: Character Building

These names embody the qualities that Korean culture most values: integrity, wisdom, courage, and benevolence. They’re perfect for parents who want their son’s name to serve as a daily reminder of important character traits.

• Courage (용기) – Yong-gi, bravery and spirit
• Wisdom (지혜) – Ji-hye, intelligence and understanding
• Honor (명예) – Myeong-ye, reputation and respect
• Justice (정의) – Jeong-ui, fairness and righteousness
• Peace (평화) – Pyeong-hwa, harmony and tranquility
• Truth (진실) – Jin-sil, honesty and authenticity
• Faith (믿음) – Mid-eum, trust and belief
• Hope (희망) – Hui-mang, optimism and expectation
• Love (사랑) – Sa-rang, affection and care
• Joy (기쁨) – Gi-ppeum, happiness and delight
• Strength (힘) – Him, power and force
• Victory (승리) – Seung-ni, triumph and success
• Excellence (우수) – U-su, superiority and distinction
• Brightness (밝음) – Balg-eum, illumination and clarity
• Kindness (친절) – Chin-jeol, gentleness and compassion
• Patience (인내) – In-nae, endurance and perseverance
• Loyalty (충성) – Chung-seong, faithfulness and devotion
• Respect (존경) – Jon-gyeong, admiration and reverence
• Gratitude (감사) – Gam-sa, thankfulness and appreciation
• Humility (겸손) – Gyeom-son, modesty and meekness
• Diligence (근면) – Geun-myeon, hard work and industry
• Sincerity (성실) – Seong-sil, genuineness and earnestness
• Generosity (관대) – Gwan-dae, liberality and magnanimity
• Compassion (연민) – Yeon-min, sympathy and empathy
• Integrity (성실) – Seong-sil, wholeness and honesty

Unique and Rare Korean Boy Names: Hidden Gems

These lesser-known Korean names offer distinctive meanings and connections to Korean history and regional traditions. They’re perfect for parents seeking something truly special and uncommon.

• Tae-yang (태양) – Sun, for radiant energy
• Seol-hyun (설현) – Snow and wise, pure wisdom
• Mu-yeol (무열) – Martial and passion, warrior spirit
• Gi-jun (기준) – Standard and talented, setting examples
• Rae-won (래원) – Come and original, innovative spirit
• Seok-jin (석진) – Stone and precious, enduring value
• Woo-sung (우성) – Universe and success, cosmic achievement
• Jae-hwan (재환) – Talent and bright, gifted illumination
• Kyeong-su (경수) – Capital and excellent, metropolitan excellence
• Dong-hyun (동현) – East and worthy, oriental virtue
• Sang-ho (상호) – Mutual and good, cooperative goodness
• Young-jun (영준) – Forever and talented, eternal ability
• Min-gyu (민규) – Quick and standard, agile principles
• Joon-seok (준석) – Talented and stone, skilled permanence
• Hyeong-seob (형섭) – Model and assist, exemplary help
• Chang-wook (창욱) – Spear and rising, advancing warrior
• Seung-won (승원) – Victory and origin, triumphant source
• Jong-hyun (종현) – Bell and worthy, resonant virtue
• Tae-min (태민) – Great and quick, grand agility
• Ki-hyun (기현) – Foundation and worthy, basic virtue
• Jae-bum (재범) – Talent and model, gifted example
• Sung-ho (성호) – Success and good, achieving goodness
• Woon (운) – Fortune, for lucky destiny
• Hwan (환) – Bright, for radiant personality
• Ryeol (렬) – Ardent, for passionate spirit

International-Friendly Korean Boy Names: Global Appeal

These Korean names work beautifully across cultures, with pronunciation that feels natural to English speakers while maintaining authentic Korean meaning and heritage.

Find more international name options

• Jun (준) – Talented, simple and strong
• Min (민) – Quick or people, versatile meaning
• Han (한) – Great or Korea, patriotic significance
• Won (원) – Origin or circle, foundational meaning
• San (산) – Mountain, nature connection
• Dam (담) – Courage, brave spirit
• Bin (빈) – Refined, polished character
• Gun (건) – Strong, powerful presence
• Rin (린) – Forest, nature connection
• Tan (탄) – Birth, new beginnings
• Van (반) – Half or return, balanced nature
• Wan (완) – Complete, wholeness
• Yen (연) – Smoke or connection, mysterious link
• Zen (젠) – Good, positive nature
• Dan (단) – Sweet, pleasant character
• Fan (판) – Judgment, wise decisions
• Gan (간) – Liver or between, central importance
• Jan (잔) – Cup, containing wisdom
• Kan (간) – Liver, vital organ significance
• Lan (란) – Orchid, elegant beauty
• Man (만) – Ten thousand, abundance
• Nan (난) – Difficult, overcoming challenges
• Pan (판) – Board, strategic thinking
• Ran (란) – Orchid, refined beauty
• Tan (탄) – Charcoal, purifying element

Contemporary K-Culture Inspired Names: Modern Korean Wave

These names reflect the global influence of Korean culture, from K-pop to K-dramas, while maintaining traditional Korean linguistic roots and meaningful interpretations.

• Jimin (지민) – Wisdom and quickness, global K-pop influence
• Taehyung (태형) – Great model, artistic inspiration
• Jungkook (정국) – Righteous country, patriotic youth
• Yoongi (윤기) – Shine foundation, radiant base
• Hoseok (호석) – Lake stone, stable depth
• Namjoon (남준) – South talented, leadership direction
• Seokjin (석진) – Stone precious, enduring value
• Baekhyun (백현) – White wise, pure wisdom
• Chanyeol (찬열) – Praise passion, enthusiastic acclaim
• Kyungsoo (경수) – Capital excellent, metropolitan excellence
• Kai (카이) – Victory ocean, triumphant vastness
• Sehun (세훈) – World training, global preparation
• Suho (수호) – Guardian, protective spirit
• Lay (레이) – Beam, light projection
• Chen (첸) – Morning, dawn breaking
• Xiumin (시우민) – Excellent pearl people, precious community
• Taeyang (태양) – Sun, solar energy
• Daesung (대성) – Great success, major achievement
• Seungri (승리) – Victory, triumphant spirit
• GDragon (지드래곤) – Wisdom dragon, intelligent power
• TOP (탑) – Peak, highest point
• Minho (민호) – Quick good, agile virtue
• Onew (온유) – Gentle kindness, soft benevolence
• Jonghyun (종현) – Bell worthy, resonant virtue
• Taemin (태민) – Great quick, grand agility

Regional Korean Names: Geographic Heritage

Different regions of Korea have distinct naming traditions that reflect local culture, history, and geographical features. These names connect to specific areas of Korean heritage.

• Seoul (서울) – Capital, central importance
• Busan (부산) – Cauldron mountain, southern strength
• Daegu (대구) – Great hill, elevated position
• Incheon (인천) – Kind river, benevolent flow
• Gwangju (광주) – Light province, illuminated region
• Daejeon (대전) – Great field, vast opportunity
• Ulsan (울산) – Crying mountain, emotional depth
• Sejong (세종) – World ancestry, global heritage
• Gyeonggi (경기) – Capital region, metropolitan area
• Gangwon (강원) – River origin, water source
• Chungbuk (충북) – Loyalty north, faithful direction
• Chungnam (충남) – Loyalty south, devoted path
• Jeonbuk (전북) – Complete north, finished direction
• Jeonnam (전남) – Complete south, whole journey
• Gyeongbuk (경북) – Capital north, metropolitan direction
• Gyeongnam (경남) – Capital south, urban journey
• Jeju (제주) – Offering province, sacred land
• Dokdo (독도) – Solitary island, independent spirit
• Hallasan (한라산) – Pull heaven mountain, celestial reach
• Nakdong (낙동) – Falling east, eastern descent
• Yeongsan (영산) – Spiritual mountain, sacred peak
• Geum (금) – Gold river, precious flow
• Bukhan (북한) – North Korea, northern heritage
• Namhan (남한) – South Korea, southern identity
• Hangang (한강) – Korea river, national waterway

Historical Korean Names: Ancient Legacy

These names draw from Korean history, including famous kings, scholars, and cultural figures who shaped Korean civilization over millennia.

• Sejong (세종) – World ancestry, after King Sejong the Great
• Taejo (태조) – Great ancestor, founding dynasty
• Gwanggaeto (광개토) – Broad expansion of territory, territorial growth
• Eulji (을지) – Rising support, after General Eulji Mundeok
• Wonhyo (원효) – Original effect, Buddhist philosopher
• Toegye (퇴계) – Retreating valley, Confucian scholar
• Yulgok (율곡) – Chestnut valley, philosopher Yi I
• Dosan (도산) – Island mountain, independence leader
• Baekje (백제) – Hundred crossing, ancient kingdom
• Silla (신라) – New net, unified kingdom
• Goryeo (고려) – High and beautiful, medieval kingdom
• Joseon (조선) – Morning calm, last dynasty
• Dangun (단군) – Sandalwood prince, mythical founder
• Hwarang (화랑) – Flower knight, elite youth warriors
• Ondal (온달) – Warm moon, legendary general
• Munmu (문무) – Culture and military, balanced king
• Jangsu (장수) – Long life, Goguryeo king
• Geunchogo (근초고) – Near grass high, Baekje king
• Naemul (내물) – My water, Silla king
• Sosurim (소수림) – Small water forest, Goguryeo king
• Asin (아신) – Child trust, Baekje king
• Jinheung (진흥) – True prosperity, Silla king
• Jijung (지증) – Wisdom increase, Silla king
• Beopheung (법흥) – Law prosperity, Silla king
• Wonseong (원성) – Original star, Silla king

Seasonal Korean Names: Natural Cycles

Korean culture celebrates the beauty of changing seasons, and these names reflect the unique character and energy of each time of year.

• Bomnal (봄날) – Spring day, renewal and growth
• Yeoreum (여름) – Summer, warmth and vitality
• Gaeul (가을) – Autumn, harvest and wisdom
• Gyeoul (겨울) – Winter, endurance and reflection
• Ipsun (입춘) – Beginning spring, new start
• Dongji (동지) – Winter solstice, longest night
• Chubun (추분) – Autumn equinox, balance
• Hagji (하지) – Summer solstice, peak energy
• Ipgwa (입하) – Beginning summer, warming
• Ipdong (입동) – Beginning winter, cooling
• Baekro (백로) – White dew, autumn freshness
• Cheoseo (처서) – End heat, cooling relief
• Ipchu (입추) – Beginning autumn, change
• Daeseo (대서) – Great heat, summer peak
• Soseo (소서) – Small heat, warming up
• 망종 (망종) – Grain in ear, agricultural timing
• 소만 (소만) – Small full, gradual completion
• 입하 (입하) – Beginning summer, seasonal shift
• 곡우 (곡우) – Grain rain, nourishing shower
• 청명 (청명) – Clear bright, spring clarity
• 춘분 (춘분) – Spring equinox, balanced beginning
• 경칩 (경칩) – Waking insects, spring awakening
• 우수 (우수) – Rain water, gentle moisture
• 대한 (대한) – Great cold, winter depth
• 소한 (소한) – Small cold, winter beginning

Final Meaningful Korean Boy Names: Special Selections

These final names represent a curated collection of particularly meaningful and beautiful Korean boy names that combine traditional significance with contemporary appeal.

• Haneul-nim (하늘님) – Sky lord, celestial authority
• Bitna-rae (빛나래) – Shining wing, radiant flight
• Sarang-han (사랑한) – One love, devoted affection
• Kkum-sori (꿈소리) – Dream sound, aspirational voice
• Nuri-saem (누리샘) – World spring, global source
• Dari-bit (다리빛) – Bridge light, connecting illumination
• Soju-han (소주한) – Small universe one, cosmic unity
• Byeol-bit (별빛) – Star light, celestial glow
• Hae-nim (해님) – Sun lord, solar authority
• Dal-bit (달빛) – Moon light, lunar glow
• Baram-sori (바람소리) – Wind sound, natural music
• Mul-gyeol (물결) – Water wave, flowing rhythm
• San-deul (산들) – Mountain field, elevated plains
• Sup-gil (숲길) – Forest path, natural way
• Noeul-bit (노을빛) – Sunset light, evening glow
• Saebyeok-bit (새벽빛) – Dawn light, morning illumination
• Gureum-bit (구름빛) – Cloud light, sky brightness
• Iseul-bit (이슬빛) – Dew light, fresh sparkle
• Kkot-hyang (꽃향) – Flower fragrance, natural perfume
• Namu-sori (나무소리) – Tree sound, forest voice
• Cheon-sa (천사) – Angel, divine messenger
• Yong-gi (용기) – Courage, brave spirit
• Ji-hye (지혜) – Wisdom, intelligent understanding
• Saeng-myeong (생명) – Life, vital existence
• Hui-mang (희망) – Hope, optimistic expectation
• Kkum-na-mu (꿈나무) – Dream tree, growing aspirations
• Bit-na-rae (빛나래) – Light wing, radiant flight
• Haneul-sori (하늘소리) – Sky sound, celestial voice
• Dari-un (다리운) – Bridge fortune, connecting luck
• Sarang-bit (사랑빛) – Love light, affectionate glow
• Kkum-bit (꿈빛) – Dream light, aspirational glow
• Nuri-han (누리한) – World one, global unity
• Byeol-sori (별소리) – Star sound, celestial music
• Hae-sori (해소리) – Sun sound, solar voice
• Dal-sori (달소리) – Moon sound, lunar music
• Baram-han (바람한) – Wind one, natural unity
• Mul-han (물한) – Water one, flowing unity
• San-bit (산빛) – Mountain light, elevated glow
• Sup-bit (숲빛) – Forest light, woodland glow
• Noeul-sori (노을소리) – Sunset sound, evening music
• Saebyeok-sori (새벽소리) – Dawn sound, morning voice
• Gureum-sori (구름소리) – Cloud sound, sky music
• Iseul-sori (이슬소리) – Dew sound, fresh whisper
• Kkot-bit (꽃빛) – Flower light, blooming glow
• Namu-bit (나무빛) – Tree light, forest radiance
• Cheon-bit (천빛) – Heaven light, divine glow
• Yong-bit (용빛) – Dragon light, powerful radiance
• Ji-bit (지빛) – Earth light, grounding glow
• Saeng-bit (생빛) – Life light, vital radiance
• Hui-bit (희빛) – Hope light, optimistic glow

Why Korean Names Are Rising in Popularity

Here’s the thing – Korean names aren’t just trending because of K-pop (though that certainly helps!). The Korean Cultural Center reports that Korean name adoption has increased by 40% since 2020, driven by parents seeking names with deeper meaning and cultural richness.

What makes this even more remarkable is that 73% of Korean-American parents now choose Korean first names compared to just 45% in 2010. This shift reflects a growing pride in cultural identity and recognition that Korean names offer something unique: they often combine multiple positive meanings, reflecting the Korean philosophy of intentional living.

Trust me when I say that Korean names stand out in the best possible way. While Western names might have one meaning, Korean names are like beautiful poems – each character carefully chosen to create a complete vision of hopes and dreams for a child’s future.

Practical Tips for Choosing Korean Boy Names

Selecting the perfect Korean name involves more than just loving how it sounds. Here are six essential considerations to help you make the best choice for your son:

Understanding Hanja vs. Hangul Significance

Many Korean names can be written in Hanja (Chinese characters) or Hangul (Korean script), and the meaning can vary significantly. Research both versions to ensure you’re choosing the meaning that resonates with your family’s values.

Considering Generational Naming Patterns

Traditional Korean families often share one character among siblings or cousins of the same generation. If you’re honoring this tradition, coordinate with extended family members to maintain the pattern.

Balancing Tradition with Modern Life

Think about how the name will work in your daily environment. Will teachers and friends be able to pronounce it? Does it have a natural nickname? Some families choose a Korean name with an English middle name for flexibility.

International Considerations

If you live outside Korea or plan to travel internationally, consider how the name translates across cultures. Names like Jun, Min, or Han work beautifully worldwide.

Legal and Documentation Requirements

Check local regulations about character requirements for official documents. Some countries have restrictions on non-Latin characters in legal names.

Creating Meaningful Combinations

Korean names often combine multiple positive meanings. Take time to research how different characters work together to create the complete meaning you desire for your son’s future.

Discover more naming inspiration

Embracing Korean Heritage Through Naming

Choosing a Korean name for your son connects him to 5,000 years of rich cultural heritage while giving him a unique identity in today’s global world. These 300 names represent just a fraction of the beautiful possibilities available in Korean naming traditions.

Whether you’re drawn to traditional names that honor ancient wisdom, modern choices that reflect contemporary Korean culture, or nature-inspired options that celebrate the beauty of the natural world, each name carries the potential to shape your son’s sense of identity and connection to Korean heritage.

Remember, the most important factor in choosing any name is that it feels right for your family. Take time to research meanings, practice pronunciation, and envision your son growing into his name with pride and confidence.

What Korean name speaks to your heart? Share your favorites and naming journey with other parents exploring these beautiful cultural treasures. Your son’s name will be his first gift from you – make it one that honors both his heritage and his bright future ahead.