The 100 Most Famous Korean Women of All Time

This list brings together 100 of the most famous Korean women in history. It begins with the reigning queens of the ancient Silla kingdom and the poets, painters, and royal women of the Goryeo and Joseon eras, then moves through independence activists and modern pioneers to the authors, athletes, actresses, and singers who represent South Korea today.

Along the way, you will meet a Nobel Prize–winning novelist, Olympic champions, and stars of film and K-pop. The list also doubles as baby name inspiration, since many of these women carry lovely Korean given names you may want to consider for your daughter.

The 100 Most Famous Korean Women of All Time

The list mixes historical figures and modern names across politics, the arts, science, sports, and more; numbers are for easy reference, not a strict ranking.

Baby Name Ideas Inspired by Famous Korean Women

These given names come from women on the list above. Because most Korean names are built from Hanja characters, the meaning changes with the characters a family picks, so the examples below show common possibilities rather than a single fixed meaning.

Korean Naming Traditions

Korean names are written with the family name first, followed by the given name. Most family names are a single syllable, and a small group of surnames, led by Kim, Lee, and Park, is shared by a large part of the population. The same surname can be romanized in several ways, which is why you will see Lee, Yi, and Rhee, or Park and Pak.

Given names usually have two syllables. Many are Sino-Korean, meaning each syllable can be written with a Chinese character called Hanja, so the meaning of a name like Ji-woo depends entirely on which characters the family chooses. South Korea keeps an official list of Hanja that may be used in personal names. Some families also choose native Korean names with no Hanja at all, such as Haneul (sky) or Bit-na (to shine).

Many traditional families follow generation names, where siblings or cousins of the same generation share one syllable. Korean women traditionally keep their own family name after marriage rather than taking their husband’s. Families also trace their lineage through a clan origin, or bon-gwan, so two people named Kim may belong to entirely different clans. Historical figures are often known by pen names or titles, such as Toegye for Yi Hwang or Saimdang for Shin Saimdang.

How to Use These Names for Your Baby

• Check the characters. If you choose a Sino-Korean name, decide on the Hanja so the name carries the meaning you want. Our guide to Korean baby names has more options.
• Pick a spelling and stick with it. Names like Ji-yeon can also be written Jiyeon or Ji Yeon. A consistent spelling saves confusion on school and medical forms in the U.S.
• Try a Korean middle name. Many Korean American families pair an English first name with a Korean middle name. See our ideas for middle names for girls and boys.
• Say it out loud. Test the full name with your surname and think about how teachers and friends will pronounce it.
• Talk with family. Grandparents may have traditions, such as generation names, they would love to keep. Our tips on how to choose a baby name can help you weigh everyone’s ideas.

Finding the Right Name

A name connected to a queen, a poet, or a gold medalist can give your daughter a story to grow into. If you are also looking for boy names or simply enjoy history, explore our list of the most famous Korean men of all time for more names with meaning.

Emma Carter

Hello! I’m Emma Carter, born in 1990, and a passionate child development specialist. Alongside my work, I have a deep love for helping parents discover beautiful and meaningful baby names. I believe a name is more than just a label — it’s the beginning of a child’s story. I draw inspiration from languages, cultures, traditions, and even the hidden meanings behind names to help find the perfect fit for every little one’s bright future.