Korea, Public Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

North Korea South Korea

What is in This Collection?
This collection will include genealogies from Jeollabuk-do and Jeonju-si, South Korea. The records are in Korean and Chinese, dated from 900 to 2012. This collection includes letters, notifications and a variety of other records. This collection is being published as images become available.

The Goryeo Dynasty came to power in the early 900’s and lasted until the late 1300’s, when the Joseon Dynasty came to power. The Korean kingdom experienced numerous conflicts through the mid 1600’s, but afterwards the Korean area experienced peace for about 200 years. In the latter part of the 1800’s, the Joseon Dynasty weakened due to increasing foreign influence, and the Korean area was annexed by Japan in 1910. Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, at which time the country was divided into North and South Korea. For more information about the history of Korea, see the Culture of South Korea.

Reading These Records
These records are written in Korean and Chinese. For help reading them see:
 * South Korean Language and Languages
 * Korean Genealogy Guide online
 * Chinese Translation
 * Tips For Learning Chinese Languages

What Can These Records Tell Me?
Public records may include:
 * Name of Sender
 * Name of Receiver
 * Date of Letter
 * Residence

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Your ancestor’s given name and surname
 * Residence
 * Age
 * Family relationships

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the estimated age to calculate a birth date
 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community
 * Use postage markings to determine locality

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
 * Check for variant spellings of the name if you can’t seem to find your ancestor
 * Search the records of nearby localities (i.e. North Korea)

Research Helps
The following articles will help you research your family in Korea.
 * North Korea Record Finder
 * South Korea Record Finder

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * Korea Civil Service Examinations and Records of Officials and Employees - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea Collection of Genealogies - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Census Records - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Directories - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Encyclopedias and Dictionaries - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Legal Records - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Local History - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Military Records - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Obituaries and Cemetery Records - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, School Records - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Korea, Social Life and Customs - FamilySearch Historical Records

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.