Have You Ever Considered Changing Your Name?

Changing Your Nam, It’s Called 개명 In Korean

In Korea, it’s pretty common to see people change their names. Why?

• I’m not comfortable with the name because it’s too common.

• I want to have a cool name that resonates me better.

• I’ve had a fortune teller tell me that I’ll be sick or that it will be difficult to fulfill my wishes.

• I feel teased because it has a strange sound.

• I don’t have a good relationship with my family, and I want to start a new life of my own.

and many more…..

In South Korea, Names Were Very Difficult To Change

One had to get permission from the Korean courts, which would only grant permission if the name was “clearly disadvantageous in light of social conventions” or if it would disadvantage one’s social life in general, such as if one shared the same name as a criminal.

However, in 2005, the Korean Supreme Court decided to respect an individual’s right to a name and to grant a name change in principle unless it is an abuse or misuse of the right. Since then, the number of cases of name changes has increased in South Korea.

110,000 To 150,000 People Change Their Name Every Year IAn South Korea

According to the Supreme Court’s Electronic Family Relationship Registration System, 110,000 to 150,000 people change their name every year in South Korea. It’s worth mentioning that a significant majority of individuals changing their names are women. According to 2022 data, women constitute the vast majority, with 7 out of 10 name changes being made by females.

—

📧 UoH has a personal assistant program for traveling in Korea, including reservations, rentals, and personal assistants. Feel free to email us at [email protected] for a quote and to find out how to proceed!