Expert: None Date: 12/18/2006 Subject: korean translation
Question Ms. Park,
I was browsing the allexperts site and I came across a question to you regarding the meaning of a Korean name, from a woman who was adopted. I am also Korean, born in Seoul, but adopted when I was about six months old. My given Korean name is Soon Sup Kim, and I was just wondering if it had any meaning to it. Also, I read pretty much everything there is to read about Korea, and one thing about Korean names still escapes me. I see that in some instances the last name is placed first (for ex. Kim Soon Sup). What is the proper etiquette for that. Thank you so much for all your help.
Answer Hi Mr.Kim,
The order of a Korean name is that firstly the family name comes before the given name. Your name Kim is surname and Soon Sup is first name. So in Korea you should be called Kim Soon Sup. Kim has not a particular meaning but Soon is gentle and Sup, harmonious. So you are a man like a gentle and harmonious person.
