Continuing our journey through the illustrious Korean surnames, we encounter Park (박), the third most common family name, representing approximately 8% of the South Korean population. The character 박 (朴) literally means "gourd" or "calabash," and its origin is rooted in one of Korea's most captivating founding myths, a tale of a miraculous birth and the establishment of a powerful kingdom.
The Gourd-Egg Legend: Origins of the Park Surname
The origin of the Park surname is firmly linked to Park Hyeokgeose (박혁거세), the legendary founder and first king of Silla (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea). The myth is as follows:
- The Mysterious Egg: In 69 BCE, six village chiefs of the Jinhan confederacy gathered by a well. They witnessed a white horse bowing to a large, purple egg that resembled a gourd. Upon cracking open the egg, a radiant boy emerged.
- A Divine Birthright: The chiefs washed the boy in a nearby stream, and his body shone, with birds and beasts dancing in celebration. Because he was born from a gourd-like egg, he was given the surname "Park" (박, meaning gourd). He was named Hyeokgeose, meaning "to rule with a bright light."
- King of Silla: At the age of 13, the chiefs made him king, establishing the Silla Kingdom. Park Hyeokgeose's legendary birth cemented the Park surname as one of royal lineage and divine favor, especially in the early days of Silla.
Bon-gwan (본관): The Diverse Seeds of the Gourd
Like the Kim and Lee surnames, the numerous individuals bearing the Park surname belong to various distinct bon-gwan (ancestral seats), each tracing its lineage to different branches that emerged from the original Park royal family or later historical figures.
- Miryang Park (밀양 박씨): The Predominant Clan: The Miryang Park clan is the largest and most prominent of all Park clans, tracing its ancestry directly to King Gyeongmyeong, the 54th king of Silla, who was a descendant of Park Hyeokgeose. This clan has historically produced a vast number of scholars, officials, and influential figures throughout Korean history.
- Gyeongju Park (경주 박씨): The Original Royalty: Directly descending from King Hyeokgeose and the early Silla kings, the Gyeongju Park clan represents the original royal line. Although the Kim family eventually dominated the Silla throne, the Gyeongju Park clan maintained significant prestige.
- Other Notable Park Clans: Other significant Park clans include the Bannam Park, Chungju Park, and Muan Park, among many others. Each branch has its own stories and contributions, stemming from different descendants or geographical centers.
Park in History and Modern Korea
Throughout the millennia, the Park surname has been synonymous with leadership, resilience, and contribution to Korean society.
- Silla's Foundation: The Park family was instrumental in the founding and early development of the Silla Kingdom, laying the groundwork for one of Korea's longest-lasting dynasties.
- Joseon and Beyond: Though less dominant than the Lee royal family during Joseon, members of the Park surname continued to hold important positions in government, military, and academia, adapting and contributing through various eras.
- Modern Prominence: In contemporary Korea, individuals with the Park surname continue to be highly visible across all sectors, from politics (e.g., former president Park Geun-hye) to entertainment (e.g., K-pop idols Park Jimin of BTS, Park Chanyeol of EXO) and business.
The Symbolism of the Gourd:
The "gourd" symbolism in the Park surname is unique among the major Korean names. The gourd itself is often seen as a symbol of prosperity, fertility, and good fortune in Korean folklore, further enhancing the auspiciousness associated with this ancient and noble surname.
The Park surname is a vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of Korean identity, connecting its bearers to a mythical birth, a royal past, and an enduring legacy that continues to shape the nation.