As a cultural and linguistic expert, I specialize in the study of languages and their associated customs, particularly in the context of East Asian cultures. When it comes to the Korean language and naming conventions, there are certain nuances that are important to understand. In Korean culture, the family name, or "seong" (성), comes first and is followed by the given name, or "ireum" (이름). This is the opposite of many Western cultures, where the given name typically precedes the family name. The given name itself is further divided into two parts: the first name, or "jeo-sa" (조사), and the middle name, or "jung-seong" (중성), which is often omitted in everyday use. The last part is the "mae-eum" (매옴), which is the actual personal name. Let's take a closer look at the structure of a typical Korean name. For instance, the name "Kim Chul-su" (김춘수) is a common Korean name. In this example, "Kim" (김) is the family name, which is placed at the beginning of the name. Following the family name are the given names, "Chul" (춘) and "su" (수). Here, "Chul" could be considered the first part of the given name, and "su" could be the second part or the personal name. It's important to note that in Korean, the concept of a middle name is less prevalent than in Western cultures. Often, a Korean name will consist of a family name followed by a single given name. However, there are instances where a middle name is used, but it is typically not emphasized in the same way as in Western cultures. When addressing someone in Korean, it is customary to use the family name first, followed by the given name. This is a reflection of the respect and importance placed on family and lineage in Korean society. Additionally, the use of titles and honorifics is a significant part of the language and is used to show respect based on age, social status, and the relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed. In terms of pronunciation and writing, the Korean language uses a unique writing system called "Hangeul" (한글), which was created during the Joseon Dynasty in the 15th century. Hangeul is a phonetic alphabet, meaning that each character represents a specific sound. This makes it relatively easy to learn and pronounce Korean names correctly, even for non-native speakers. Understanding the structure and significance of Korean names is not just about language; it's about understanding the cultural context and the values that are embedded within the language. It's a way of showing respect and acknowledging the importance of family and social hierarchy in Korean society. In conclusion, when identifying the first name in a Korean name, it is the part that follows the family name. In the example of "Kim Chul-su," "Chul-su" would be considered the given name, with "Chul" potentially being the first part and "su" being the personal name. The structure and usage of names in Korean culture are deeply rooted in tradition and serve as a means of expressing respect and maintaining social order. read more >>

The first syllable is the last name - ? ("seong") in Korean. The next two syllables are the first name - ?? ("i-reum") in Korean. For example, let's take a look at the name ??? ("Kim Chul-su"). ? ("Kim") is the last name, and ?? ("Chul-su") is the first name.Nov 3, 2015read more >>