Kim Lee Park (green space)

07/01/2026

Interesting Korean fact.

After 1500 years of continuous institutionalised slavery, Korea abolished slavery in 1894.

At one point in their history slaves represented 45% of the population. And they were all Korean slaves, not foreigners.

In 1894, most recently freed slaves did not have surnames.

So many of them adopted prestigious surnames to hide their shameful past.

Which is why there are so many Kim, Lee and Park people in Korea.

Here’s a breakdown of the current South Korean population:

Kim: 21.5%
Lee/Yi: 14.7%
Park/Pak: 8.4%
Total: 44.6%

Deed pole anyone?