李
이씨
오얏 리 · plum tree
📖 Origin of the Hanja
Korea's second most common surname. The hanja "李" is the plum tree. In Chinese legend, philosopher Laozi (Li Er) was born under a plum tree, hence the name. In Korea, Lees trace back to Silla's Six Villages. Jeonju Lee became the Joseon dynasty royal line in 1392 when Yi Seong-gye founded Joseon, ruling for 500 years.
🏯 Main Clans (Bongwan)
전주 이씨
경주 이씨
연안 이씨
광주 이씨
한산 이씨
※ Bongwan refers to the ancestral home where the founder settled. Same surname, different bongwan = different clan branch.
🌟 Famous Figures
조선
이성계
조선 태조 (1335~1408)
조선
이순신
구국의 영웅 (1545~1598)
조선
이황
퇴계 — 성리학의 대가
근현대
이중섭
한국 모더니즘 화가
"The plum blossoms first in spring — beauty preserved through the cold."
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