The Origin of Kim: Golden Eggs and the Forest Child
Why are there so many Kims in Korea? Discover the legendary origins of the Kim surname, from King Suro to Alji.
📑 Table of Contents
1. Kim: The Gold Surname
There is a Korean saying: "If you throw a stone from Namsan Mountain in Seoul, it will hit a Mr. Kim."
Kim is the most common surname, held by about 21.5% of the population.
The character for Kim (金) means "Gold". The two main clans are Gimhae Kim and Gyeongju Kim.
2. Gimhae Kim: The Golden Egg from Heaven
In 42 AD, a mysterious voice was heard at Gujibong Peak.
A golden box wrapped in red cloth descended from the sky, containing 6 golden eggs.
The first child to hatch was King Suro, who founded the Gaya Kingdom and became the ancestor of the Gimhae Kim clan.
3. Gyeongju Kim: The Golden Box in the Forest
In 65 AD, the King of Silla heard a rooster crowing in the forest (Gyerim).
He found a golden box hanging from a tree branch, with a white rooster crowing beneath it.
Inside was a baby boy named Alji. He became the ancestor of the Gyeongju Kim clan.
4. Kims in Modern Times
In the past, people with the same clan origin (Bon-gwan) could not marry each other.
Today, laws have changed, and marriage is allowed unless the couple is closely related (within 8 degrees).
From BTS members (V, Jin, RM) to Blackpink (Jennie, Jisoo), Kims are famous worldwide!
5. Which Kim are you?
Knowing your "Bon-gwan" (clan origin) is key to understanding your family history.
Jokbo (Genealogy Book)
A traditional book recording the entire family tree, tracing back to the ancestor.
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