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by Minsoo Kim on November 3rd, 2005
Graybyun's answer is great. (Where did you get the infos?) But I think that it is rather an explanation for the general Korean surnames, not for the origin of the "Kim" specifically. As a member of Korean "Kim" family, I want to answer to this question. There are two major Kims in Korea, 'Kyongju' Kim and 'Kimhae' Kim. I am a descendant of 'Kimhae' Kim. So, here I'll just discuss 'Kimhae' Kim only. I hope that someone who has "Kyongju" Kim will explain their origin.
The founder of Kimhae Kim was King Suro, who was born from a golden egg. There is a place called Gujibong (small mountain) in Kimhae. One day in year 42 AD, there came six golden eggs, and the next day they all turned to six men. King Suro came out of the egg the first, and he was given the name "Kim", which means "gold" in Chinese Character. (Chinese Character is not only for Chinese. It is used in all Asia.) King Suro soon acceded to the throne and married to a princess named Hwang-ok Huh from Ayuta country.
I know this story is a myth. But it represents the antient 6 Gaya nations and it is very important story in Korean history. This story was told and handed downd from generation to generation. I am the seventieth generation of King Suro. (Samyeon clan - for those who want to know deeply)
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