In Western movies or dramas, it's common to see 'Jane Smith' introduce herself as 'Jane Doe' after marrying 'John Doe.' In many cultures, it's a natural tradition for women to adopt their husband's surname upon marriage. But what if a Korean woman, 'Kim Min-ji,' marries 'Park Seo-joon'? She remains 'Kim Min-ji' even after marriage. This practice of Korean women not changing their surnames after marriage is a cultural aspect that foreigners often find very intriguing and sometimes surprising.
'Surname' is My Root, My Clan
In Korean society, a surname is more than just an identifier for an individual; it's a root and a symbol of lineage that tells 'where I came from.' A surname and bon-gwan (clan origin) are considered part of one's unique identity inherited from parents at birth, and thus not something that can be changed through a social contract like marriage.
A woman not adopting her husband's surname signifies that even after marriage, the wife does not completely become subsumed by her husband's family but maintains her identity as a member of her original family (親家). This reflects a unique aspect of the Korean family system, which highly values patrilineal lineage while simultaneously respecting a woman's connection to her birth family.
Interesting Fact: Korean law (Civil Act) itself does not contain any provision stating that a woman must adopt her husband's surname after marriage. Changing one's surname, like a legal name change, is a very complex procedure that requires court approval and is rarely granted solely due to marriage.
What About the Children's Surnames?
Here arises another question: if the mother and father have different surnames, whose surname do the children take? Traditionally and legally, it is a principle that Korean children inherit their **father's surname and bon-gwan**.
- Father: Park Seo-joon (Miryang Park clan)
- Mother: Kim Min-ji (Gimhae Kim clan)
- Child: Park Ha-yoon (Miryang Park clan)
However, with the legal amendment in 2008, it became **possible for children to inherit the mother's surname and bon-gwan** if the couple agrees in advance during marriage registration. While still not a common occurrence, this represents a significant change, showing that perceptions of family structure and surnames are gradually diversifying.
Continuity of Identity
The Korean culture of not changing surnames after marriage sometimes leads to administrative misunderstandings. For instance, when proving family relationships abroad, additional documents may be required due to the couple having different surnames. Nevertheless, for most Koreans, the idea that 'the surname is my history and my root' is widely accepted as self-evident.
This unique culture poses profound questions about family and individual identity. The traditional Korean view that marriage is not only a union of two individuals but also a meeting of two families is fully encapsulated within the unchanging surname of women.