Namgung (also spelled Namkoong) is a Korean compound surname, the most common of its kind in Korea. It is derived from the Sino-Korean characters 南 (nam) meaning "south" and 宮 (gung) meaning "palace, house," ultimately corresponding to the Chinese surname Nangong (南宮).Origins and ClansHistorically, there are six Namgung bon-gwan (clan affiliation) groups in Korea: Hamyeol, Puyun, Nampyong, Ryongan, Uiryeong, and Chasan. The largest and most prominent is the Hamyeol Namgung clan, which claims descent from Nangong Kuo, a key adviser to King Wen of Zhou during the early Zhou dynasty in China. According to clan tradition, Namgung Su, a descendant of Nangong Kuo, traveled to Korea alongside the legendary sage Kija and assisted in establishing the Kija Joseon kingdom (circa 12th century BCE).The Hamyeol Namgung clan traces its Korean founder to Namgung Woncheng, a general of the Goryeo period. Another notable ancestor is Namgung Shin, a Goryeo military officer. In the 21st century, the clan boasted over 18,700 members in South Korea, based on 2000 census data.Notable BearersNamkoong Won (1934–2024): Stage name of South Korean actor Hong Gyeong-il, known for his roles in classic films.Namkung Do (born 1982): South Korean footballer.Namkung Joon (born 1920): South Korean arachnologist who contributed to the study of spiders.Cultural SignificanceAs a rare Korean compound surname, Namgung stands out among the predominantly single-syllable surnames in Korea. Its Chinese origin reflects historical connections between the two cultures, and the clan's legendary tie to Kija Joseon links it to Korea's ancient foundational myths. The surname is also anglicized in various ways, such as Namkung or Namkoong, depending on romanization preferences.Meaning: "South palace" (南宮)Origin: Chinese-derived Type: Compound Korean surnameRegions: Korea (particularly Hamyeol and other bon-gwan clans)