Korean Dog Names: 120+ Beautiful Names with Meanings

Choosing a Korean name for your dog offers a beautiful way to celebrate Korean culture while giving your canine companion a distinctive, meaningful identity. Korean names often carry deep significance, with many reflecting elements of nature, positive character traits, or cultural values. Whether you have Korean heritage, admire Korean culture, or simply appreciate the elegant sound of Korean names, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect Korean name for your beloved pet.

Why Choose Korean Names for Your Dog

Korean dog names offer several compelling advantages:

• Rich Cultural Significance: Many Korean names carry beautiful meanings related to nature, strength, wisdom, or beauty
• Distinctive Sound: Korean names stand out at the dog park with their unique phonetics and melodic quality
• Conversation Starters: A Korean name often sparks interesting conversations about your dog’s name meaning and origin
• Concise Options: Many Korean names are short and clear, making them easy for dogs to recognize
• Honor Korean Heritage: Perfect for celebrating Korean ancestry or appreciation for Korean culture

Whether you’re drawn to traditional Korean names with deep cultural roots or modern Korean terms that reflect your dog’s personality, a Korean name can be a meaningful choice that honors both your pet and the rich cultural heritage of Korea.

Male Korean Dog Names

These traditional Korean male names offer strong, dignified options for your boy dog.

Ji-ho makes an excellent name for an intelligent, brave dog – combining the meanings of wisdom and courage in one powerful name. For a dog with exceptional talents or abilities, Min-jun perfectly captures that special cleverness.

Kang suits a strong, robust dog with a powerful presence, while Seok works well for a steady, dependable companion who’s always by your side. For a dog with a bright, sunny disposition, Haru (meaning “day”) offers a simple yet meaningful choice.

Jin is perfect for a dog who’s truly precious to you – a living jewel in your life. For a dog with a noble bearing and strong moral character, Jung (meaning “righteous” or “virtuous”) honors their dignified nature.

Female Korean Dog Names

These beautiful Korean female names offer elegant, graceful options for your girl dog.

Hana is a simple yet meaningful name for your special girl dog – signifying “one” or “first” and perfect for a dog who’s number one in your heart. For a dog with a regal purple coat or noble bearing, Bora makes a colorful, distinctive choice.

Nabi suits a graceful, delicate dog who seems to float through life like a butterfly, while Sarang is perfect for a dog who embodies love and affection. For a dog with exceptional beauty, Mee or Areum directly celebrates their lovely appearance.

Dal works beautifully for a dog with a luminous presence or silver/white coat, named after the moon that lights up the night sky. For a dog who brings kindness and warmth to your life, Eun honors that gentle spirit.

Gender-Neutral Korean Dog Names

These versatile Korean names work well for dogs of any gender.

Miso is perfect for a dog who always seems to be smiling and brings joy to everyone they meet. For a dog who means everything to you – your whole world – Nuri captures that all-encompassing love.

Min suits an intelligent, quick-witted dog, while Jae celebrates a dog with special talents or abilities. For a dog who loves the outdoors and gazing at the sky, Ha-neul (meaning “sky”) creates a beautiful connection to nature.

Byeol works wonderfully for a dog who shines brightly in your life, like a star in the night sky. For a small dog with a big personality, Jag-eun (meaning “little”) acknowledges their size while celebrating their outsized presence in your heart.

Nature-Inspired Korean Dog Names

These Korean names drawn from nature make beautiful choices for dogs with connections to the natural world.

Bada is perfect for a water-loving dog who’s drawn to the ocean or has the depth and mystery of the sea. For a dog with a strong, steadfast presence, San (meaning “mountain”) honors their impressive stature or personality.

Haebyeon suits a dog who loves playing on the beach or has a sandy-colored coat, while Namu works well for a dog with deep roots in your family, like a tree that provides shelter and stability. For a dog with a fluid, adaptable personality, Mul (meaning “water”) captures that flowing energy.

Mujigae is beautiful for a dog who brings all the colors of the rainbow into your life, while Dalpit works wonderfully for a dog with a gentle, luminous presence that lights up the darkness like moonlight.

Food-Inspired Korean Dog Names

These delicious Korean food names make playful, appetizing choices for dogs with foodie connections.

Kimchi makes a spicy, distinctive name for a dog with a bold personality – named after Korea’s famous fermented vegetable dish. For a dog who’s soft and comforting, Dubu (meaning “tofu”) offers a gentle food reference with a cute sound.

Mandu suits a small, plump dog who resembles a dumpling, while Bap works well for a dog who’s an essential part of your daily life, like rice is to Korean cuisine. For a dog with a complex, interesting personality with many layers, Bibimbap references the famous mixed rice dish with its colorful variety of ingredients.

Subak is perfect for a sweet, refreshing dog who brings joy in hot weather, like a juicy watermelon. For a dog with a strawberry-red coat or sweet disposition, Ttalgi makes a fruity, cheerful choice.

Discover More Food-Inspired Dog Names

Korean Pop Culture Dog Names

These names inspired by Korean entertainment and pop culture make trendy choices for modern dogs.

Suga is perfect for a cool, laid-back dog with a sweet side – named after the popular BTS rapper. For a dog with star quality and charisma, Jennie or Rosé reference the beloved BLACKPINK members known for their talent and style.

Jimin suits a dog with exceptional charm and grace, named after the BTS member famous for his dancing and stage presence. For a dog who leads the pack with confidence, Suho (meaning “guardian”) references the EXO leader known for his dependable nature.

Seoul works well for a sophisticated, cosmopolitan dog who’s always at the center of attention, like Korea’s vibrant capital city. For a dog with a sunny, vacation-like personality, Jeju references the beautiful Korean island known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

Find more pop culture names

Korean Dog Breed Names

These names honor Korea’s native dog breeds and canine heritage.

Jindo makes an excellent name for a loyal, intelligent dog – honoring Korea’s most famous native breed known for its hunting skills and unwavering loyalty. For a dog with a protective nature, Sapsali references the fluffy Korean breed traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the home.

Dosa suits a large, powerful dog with a gentle heart, named after the imposing Korean Mastiff known for its impressive size and kind temperament. For a dog with exceptional hunting instincts or athletic abilities, Pungsan honors the strong hunting breed from North Korea’s mountains.

Gangaji is perfect for a playful puppy or a dog who maintains their youthful spirit throughout life, using the Korean word for “puppy.” For a white dog with a pure spirit, Baekgu combines the Korean words for “white” and “dog” in a name that directly describes their appearance.

FAQ About Korean Dog Names

What are the most popular Korean dog names?

The most popular Korean dog names tend to be those that combine beautiful meanings with easy pronunciation. Sarang (meaning “love”) tops the list as a perennial favorite, perfectly capturing the affection between dogs and their owners. Miso (“smile”) and Hana (“one”) follow closely behind for their simple yet meaningful associations. Nature-inspired names like Bada (“ocean”) and Byeol (“star”) have gained popularity for their beautiful imagery and connection to the natural world. For male dogs, strong names like Kang (“strong”) and Dae-ho (“great”) appeal to those looking for names with powerful meanings. K-pop inspired names like Jimin and Suga (from BTS) have also become increasingly popular choices among younger dog owners who appreciate Korean pop culture. Names that reference Korean dog breeds, such as Jindo, remain classics for those seeking authentic Korean connections.

How do I pronounce Korean dog names correctly?

Pronouncing Korean names correctly can be challenging for non-Korean speakers, but these tips can help:

• Vowels: Korean has basic vowels similar to English:

  • “a” sounds like “ah” as in “father”
  • “e” sounds like “eh” as in “get”
  • “i” sounds like “ee” as in “see”
  • “o” sounds like “oh” as in “go”
  • “u” sounds like “oo” as in “moon”

• Consonants: Some Korean consonants have no exact English equivalent, but approximations include:

  • “g/k” sounds between English “g” and “k”
  • “d/t” sounds between English “d” and “t”
  • “b/p” sounds between English “b” and “p”
  • “j” sounds similar to English “j”

• Common names pronunciation:

  • Sarang: sah-rahng
  • Miso: mee-so
  • Hana: hah-nah
  • Jindo: jin-do
  • Bada: bah-dah
  • Nabi: nah-bee

Consider watching Korean pronunciation videos online or asking a Korean speaker to help you pronounce your chosen name correctly. Many Koreans will appreciate your effort to pronounce the name properly, even if it’s not perfect.

How can I choose the perfect Korean name for my dog?

Selecting the ideal Korean name for your dog involves considering several factors:

1. Consider your dog’s personality: Is your dog energetic and playful (consider Nabi or Miso), calm and dignified (Seok or Jung), or loving and affectionate (Sarang or Aera)?

2. Look at physical attributes: Does your dog have distinctive coloring (consider color names like Bora for purple/blue tones or Hayan for white), size (Jag-eun for small or Keun for large), or other physical characteristics?

3. Think about your connection to Korean culture: Do you have Korean heritage, appreciate K-pop or K-dramas, or have visited specific places in Korea that hold meaning for you?

4. Test the name’s practicality: Korean names should be:

   • Easy for you to pronounce consistently
   • Not easily confused with common commands
   • Recognizable to your dog (1-2 syllables often work best)
   • Comfortable to call out in public

5. Consider the meaning: Many Korean names have beautiful meanings – choose one that resonates with your hopes for your relationship with your dog.

Remember that the best name is one that both you and your dog respond well to – try calling potential names and see which one gets the most enthusiastic tail wag from your Korean-named companion!