Kang (Korean surname)

Kang (강) is a common Korean surname. It is written with the Hanja characters 姜 (강), 康 (강), and 強 (강). The most common of these, 姜, is associated with the Jinju Kang clan.

Origins and Clans:

The surname Kang has several distinct origins and clan affiliations (bon-gwan) in Korea. The most prominent clan is the Jinju Kang (진주 강씨; 晉州 姜氏), originating in the city of Jinju. Other notable clans, though much smaller in number, derive from different Hanja characters and have separate founding ancestors. These include the Shincheon Kang (신천 강씨; 信川 康氏) and the Goheung Kang (고흥 강씨; 高興 強氏). Each clan traces its lineage back to a different ancestor and region, although the pronunciation of the surname remains the same.

Prevalence:

Kang is among the most common Korean surnames. While precise rankings fluctuate, it consistently appears in the top twenty most prevalent surnames in South Korea.

Notable People:

Numerous individuals with the surname Kang have achieved prominence in various fields, including politics, sports, entertainment, and academia. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Kang Daniel (entertainer)
• Kang Ho-dong (entertainer)
• Kang So-ra (actress)

Distribution and Emigration:

The surname Kang is found throughout the Korean peninsula and among the Korean diaspora worldwide. Emigration patterns from Korea have resulted in communities of Kangs in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and various nations in Europe and Asia.