South Korea Compiled Genealogies

The family is the most important part of Korean life. In Confusian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, shelter, clothing, etc., and also arrange marriages of family members. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his daughters. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family.

Korean Ancestors 

Ancestors are based on the male family line. Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship. They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year, particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day.

Family Census Register 

This register records every birth and marriage in the family, with the father's and mother's parents' name and giving the "Family Origin" of each.

Useful websites

The following websites are especially dedicated to Korean Genealogy and Family History. They are all in Korean.

http://www.genealogy.co.kr --Provides comprehensive information on historical background, associations, genealogical and historical record. In Korean.

http://www.burimhong.pe.kr/ --Reference index of surnames in Korea. Provides links of resources of Korean family names, family history, and genealogical information. In Korean.

http://www.rootsinfo.co.kr/ --Provides comprehensive lists of genealogy. In Korean.