“For over a millennium since the Battle of Gochang in 930 CE, the descendants of Grand Chancellor Kim Seon-pyeong have branched across the provinces of Korea. Today, the Shin Andong Kim clan is organized into fifteen major sub-lineages (Pa), each tracing its lineage to a distinguished historical forebear.”

1. The Generational Branching of the Shin Andong Kim

Following the founding ancestor Kim Seon-pyeong (金宣平), the clan maintained its primary seat in Andong throughout the Goryeo dynasty. During the late Goryeo and early Joseon transitions (14th–15th centuries), prominent descendants achieved high administrative rank and established distinct regional estates, creating the classical Fifteen Great Branches (十五大派).

2. The Major Sub-Branches (Pa / 派) and Their Founding Ancestors (Pajo)

1. Ikwon-gong Branch (익원공파 / 翼元公派) — Pajo: Kim Sa-hyeong (金士衡)

Foundational Merit Subject of Joseon and Left State Councilor who directed the 1402 Kangnido world map. The largest and most politically prominent branch of the clan.

2. Munon-gong Branch (문온공파 / 文溫公派) — Pajo: Kim Gu-yong (金九容)

Eminent late Goryeo Neo-Confucian scholar and diplomat celebrated for his literary masterworks and diplomatic integrity.

3. Jehak-gong Branch (제학공파 / 提學公派) — Pajo: Kim Ik-dal (金益達)

Renowned scholar-official of early Joseon who served as Director of the Office of Royal Decrees (Yemun-gwan).

4. Pyeongho-gong Branch (평호공파 / 平浩公派) — Pajo: Kim Sam-geun (金三近)

Ancestor of the celebrated Cheong-eum (Kim Sang-heon) and Seonwon (Kim Sang-yong) sub-lineages that anchored late Joseon moral statecraft.

5. Dongjigong, Anshingong, & Champhan-gong Branches

Key administrative lines that spread throughout Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeonggi provinces, maintaining local academies and civil leadership.

3. Regional Migration and Clan Settlements (Jip-seong-chon)

From their cradle in Andong, clan members established major clan villages (*Jipseongchon*) in:

  • Seoul & Gyeonggi (Hanseong, Gwangju, Yangju): The urban scholar-official elite residing in Jangdong and Mount Inwang.
  • Chungcheong (Hongseong, Boryeong, Cheonan): Agricultural estates and patriotic martial leaders like General Kim Jwa-jin.
  • Yeongnam (Andong, Yecheon, Sangju): Preserving traditional Hanok estates, Seowon academies, and village governance.