崔
최씨
높을 최 · high/towering
📖 Origin of the Hanja
The hanja "崔" combines 山 (mountain) + 隹 (bird) — a bird atop a high peak, meaning "towering". The famous Silla scholar Choe Chiwon (857~?) studied in Tang China at age 12 and passed the imperial exam at 17. The Choi clan rose to prominence as scholars in Goryeo and Joseon.
🏯 Main Clans (Bongwan)
경주 최씨
전주 최씨
해주 최씨
강릉 최씨
삭녕 최씨
※ Bongwan refers to the ancestral home where the founder settled. Same surname, different bongwan = different clan branch.
🌟 Famous Figures
신라
최치원
신라 말 대학자 (857~?)
고려
최영
말기 명장 — "황금 보기를 돌같이"
조선 말
최제우
동학 창시자
근현대
최순우
국립중앙박물관장 — 한국미 발견
"崔: a bird atop a mountain — see far from a high place."
✨ Try other hanja experiences
Share with a friend
Share the meaning behind a shared surname
