As with all Korean family names, the holders of the Hong surname are divided into different patrilineal clans, or lineages, based on their ancestral seat. Most such clans trace their lineage back to a specific founder. This system was at its height under the yangban aristocracy of the Joseon Dynasty, but it remains in use today. There are approximately 241 such clans claimed by South Koreans. Historically, there had been 10 clans known but currently there are four clans remaining. Hong clans include Namyang, Pungsan, Bugye, and Hongju.

Namyang clan edit

The biggest clan is Namyang clan (Korean: 남양 홍씨; Hanja: 南陽 洪氏; RR: Namyang Hongssi) whose founder was Hong Eun-yeol in the Goryeo Dynasty. Another founder of this clan was Hong Seon-haeng. Thus, the Namyang Hong clan is unique among Korean surnames in that it includes two separate unrelated family lines.

Pungsan clan edit

All ancestry of Andong's Pungsan Hong (Korean: 풍산 홍씨; Hanja: 豊山 洪氏; RR: Pungsan Hongssi) may be traced to the Goryeo dynasty's Hong Ji-gyeong, later known as a great master of Korean classical verse in the Joseon Dynasty. The Pungsan Hong were known as yangban among yangbans. Hong Jin was a direct descendant of Hong Ji-gyeong.

Famous Koreans from the past with this family name:

• Hong Gildong, main character of a book attributed to Heo Gyun (1569–1618)
• Hong Dae-yong (1731-1783), was a Silhak scholar, astronomer and mathematician
• Hong Gyeong-nae (1771–1812), a leader of a farmer's revolt during Joseon Dynasty

• Sin Cha Hong (born 1943), South Korean avant-garde dancer
• Euny Hong, Korean American journalist and author
• Francis Hong Yong-ho (1906–?), Roman Catholic prelate in North Korea
• Hong Chul (born 1990), South Korean footballer
• Gene Hong, Korean American actor, producer, and screenwriter
• Hong Hei-Kyung (born 1959), Korean-American operatic soprano
• Jay Hong (born 1986), South Korean singer-songwriter and producer
• Hong Jeong-ho (born 1989), South Korean footballer
• Hong Jin (1877–1946), Korean independence activist, leader of the Korean independence movement
• Hong Joon-pyo (born 1953), South Korean politician and former prosecutor
• Joshua Hong (born 1995), Korean American singer
• Hong Jung-wook (born 1970), South Korean entrepreneur, businessman, and politician
• Hong Jin-kyung (born 1977), South Korean entrepreneur, model, actress and comedian
• Hong Jin-young (born 1985), South Korean trot singer
• Hong Jong-hyun (born 1990), South Korean model and actor
• Hong Jung-eun (born 1974), one-half of South Korean screenwriting duo Hong Sisters
• Hong Kyung (born 1996), South Korean actor
• Hong Kyung-min (born 1976), South Korean singer
• Hong Mi-ran (born 1977), one-half of South Korean screenwriting duo Hong Sisters
• Hong Myung-bo (born 1969), South Korean footballer and manager
• Nansook Hong (born 1966), daughter-in-law of Sun Myung Moon
• Hong Sa-ik (1889–1946), highest-ranking ethnic Korean general in the Imperial Japanese Army, executed for war crimes
• Hong Sang-soo (born 1960), South Korean film director and screenwriter
• Hong Seok-cheon (born 1971), South Korean actor famous for publicly coming out
• Hong Seok-hyun (born 1949), South Korean media corporation executive
• Seokju Hong (born 2003), South Korean footballer
• Hong Seong-chan (born 1997), South Korean tennis player
• Hong Song-nam (1929–2009), former premier of North Korea
• Hong Sook-ja (born 1933), South Korean diplomat, writer, and first female presidential candidate
• Hong Yong-Jo (born 1982), North Korean footballer
• DPR Live (born Hong Dabin, 1993), South Korean rapper
• Giriboy (born Hong Siyoung, 1991), South Korean rapper

• Korean name
• List of Korean family names
• Hong (surname), the Chinese equivalent