South Korea Compiled Genealogies

South Korea South Korean Family History and Genealogy

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.

Other Genealogical Resources
English Resources:


 * Korea GenForum
 * YouTube video: Mark Peterson on the Structure of Korean Genealogy
 * Korean Genelaogy Guide

Korean Resources:


 * Korean Genealogical Table