Korean Names – Name Structure, Meaning, and Trends

이미지
Korean names carry deep meaning through their structure and Hanja (Chinese characters). In this post, we’ll explore how names are constructed, what each character means, and how naming trends have changed over generations. 1. Structure – Family Name, Given Name, and Generational Tradition A typical Korean name has one syllable for the family name and two or sometimes three syllables for the given name. Although simple at first glance, these few characters carry surprising depth. In many families, names include a generational syllable shared among siblings or cousins to reflect lineage. This system helps distinguish the relative order within families and symbolizes the continuation of tradition. 💡 To sum up, here are some common features of Korean name structure : 1-character family name + 2- to 3-character given name (usually 3 total) Use of generational characters or shared syllables in families Balance of sound, meaning, and harmony is valued in naming Alt...

From Adam to Joseph – The Final Story of Genesis

Throughout this journey, we’ve walked through the stories of Genesis together. Seeing readers from all over the world engage with these reflections has been both humbling and joyful. But more than anything, I’m still amazed that we get to live in this world God created—with love and gratitude. Today, as we close the book of Genesis, let’s revisit the people and moments that shaped our faith. You may know these stories well, but I believe they can still speak to us in new and deeper ways.

The People of Genesis – Moments of Faith Remembered

A woman prays over an open Bible, symbolizing reflection on the faith journey from Adam to Joseph

1. God’s Creation – The Beginning of the Covenant

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [1:1, KJV]

God spoke the world into being. From the void came order, beauty, and life—including you and me. Though humanity fell into sin and was cast out of Eden, God never abandoned them. Instead, He left a promise of restoration. Our journey of faith starts with this act of mercy and the Creator’s intent to dwell with us still.

2. Adam and Eve – The Fall and the First Promise

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. [3:15, KJV]

Adam and Eve were made in the image of God. They lived close to Him in Eden until temptation led them to disobey. Even then, God didn’t turn away. He clothed them in garments of grace and offered a glimpse of redemption. The first sin was also the first moment of hope—God was already preparing a way back.

3. Noah – Faith That Built an Ark

Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. [6:9, KJV]

While the world grew corrupt, Noah remained faithful. Even as others mocked him, he built the ark with quiet obedience. Through the flood, he became an instrument of salvation. When the waters receded, God gave the rainbow—a promise sealed in color. Noah showed us that true faith is proven through obedience.

4. Abraham – A Journey of Waiting and Trust

So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him. [12:4, KJV]

God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a place he had never seen. In return, God promised descendants as countless as the stars. Though he waited for years, even facing trials like the near-sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham trusted God’s timing. Through him, we learn that faith often looks like waiting with hope.

5. Isaac – Quiet Obedience in Everyday Life

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. [17:21, KJV]

Isaac’s life wasn’t marked by dramatic events, but his steady obedience spoke volumes. He reopened wells, gave way in conflict, and lived with peace. His gentle spirit reminds us that not all faith stories are loud—some flow like a stream, quietly nourishing the next generation.

6. Jacob – A Wrestler Who Was Renamed

Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel. [32:28, KJV]

Jacob didn’t start out as a hero of faith. He deceived, fled, and struggled. But the turning point came at the river Jabbok, where he wrestled with God all night and begged, “I will not let You go unless You bless me.” In response, God gave him a new name—Israel. I think of Jacob on days when I feel stuck or powerless. On those days, I want to cry out too: “God, bless me. I can’t let go.” Will He give me a new name, too?

7. Joseph – Forgiveness at the End of the Story

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good. [50:20, KJV]

Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned on false charges—Joseph’s life was filled with pain. Yet he never cursed God. When he rose to power and met his brothers again, he chose mercy over revenge. His story teaches us that even long seasons of suffering can be part of God's redemptive plan. I want to be remembered by God as someone like Joseph—full of faith, forgiveness, and purpose.

🙏 Reflection

Where are we in the story today? Are we remembering the grace of creation? Walking a path of obedience like Noah? Stepping into the unknown like Abraham? Wrestling like Jacob?

Faith isn’t built in a day. We fall, we wait, we run, we wrestle—but still, God meets us and brings us back.

Within me lives the sinner Adam, the faithful Noah, the patient Abraham, the peaceful Isaac, the struggling Jacob, and the forgiving Joseph.

From Adam to Joseph, each was shaped by the hands of God—and so am I. Thank you for joining me through this Genesis series. I’ll see you in the next post.

👉 [Next Post] Spring Day in Jongno – Palace, Market, Play