The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), led by Director Park Ki-tae, in collaboration with social venture Impactus, headed by CEO Kim Bo-kyung, has launched “Ilhum”, a service that generates Korean names using purely native Korean words. The name “Ilhum” originates from the Yongbieocheonga, the first literary work written in Hunminjeongeum, the script created by King Sejong, and is an old Korean word meaning “name.”
Ilhum is designed for foreigners interested in Korean culture, allowing them to create meaningful Korean names based on their interests and personality. By accessing the Ilhum website (korean.im) via mobile or PC, users can receive a customized Korean name in less than three minutes.
To use the service, users answer ten simple questions, after which they receive three recommended Korean names tailored to their preferences. They can then select their favorite name, learn its meaning and pronunciation, and even share it directly on social media. Additionally, users can save their chosen name as a personalized name card with a photo, making it easy to use in various ways.
For many foreigners who are passionate about Hallyu or studying Korean, having a Korean name is an exciting prospect. However, choosing the right name can be challenging. Some may end up with generic or overused names, while others receive names picked randomly by friends. Ilhum addresses this issue by helping users find a name that truly reflects their personality and aspirations.
VANK’s Director Park Ki-tae emphasized the deeper significance of this service, stating, “With 170 million Hallyu fans worldwide, Korean pop culture serves as an entry point to interest in Korea. By giving people meaningful Korean names, we hope to deepen their understanding of Korea’s history and culture.” He added, “A name is an important part of personal identity. Just as foreigners can create meaningful Korean names, Koreans can also use native Korean names when choosing online aliases or secondary identities.”
Language carries history and culture, and names are a fundamental part of individual identity. It is important to use and preserve native Korean words meaningfully in everyday life. The increasing use of foreign words and slang has led to the fading of traditional Korean vocabulary, making it essential to protect and promote these linguistic treasures.
Native Korean names, in particular, are unique in that they carry profound meanings on their own, without the need for additional components. For example, “Ari” means “a beautiful person,” “Ruri” signifies “a person who accomplishes anything,” and “Dodam” represents “a healthy person.”
To further promote native Korean names, VANK and Impactus have launched the “Korean Name Ambassador” project. This initiative aims to introduce the beauty and significance of Korean names in the Hallyu era.
As part of this effort, a global campaign will be conducted, encouraging Korean language school teachers and young overseas Koreans to create and use native Korean names. In addition, a large-scale name creation campaign will be launched for Hallyu fans worldwide, further spreading the beauty of Korean language and culture across the globe.