We’re excited to announce an update to our 23andMe Ancestry Service adding greater detail for people with East Asian ancestry. We previously introduced Genetic Groups in Japan, and now we’ve expanded our Genetic Groups in this region to include groups in China, Korea, and Mongolia.
More than 70% of our customers with a majority of their ancestry from China, Korea, or Mongolia, who tested on our latest genotyping chip, are expected to see a new match to at least one of these regions. And 23andMe+ Premium
members will also be able to see any distant Genetic Group connections they may have.
China
With its vast geography and thousands of years of continuous civilization, China’s population tells a story of ancient migrations, dynastic expansions, and cultural blending. Beyond its borders, waves of Chinese emigration over the past few centuries—spurred by trade, labor opportunities, and political upheaval—have spread the Chinese diaspora across Southeast Asia, North America, and beyond. These new Genetic Groups may give you the opportunity to trace your lineage back to specific regions and uncover the stories of movement, adaptation, and resilience.
Korea
Shaped by rugged mountains, fertile river valleys, and a deep sense of cultural continuity, Korea tells a story of resilient kingdoms and a people who have preserved their culture through centuries of challenge and change. From the ancient kingdom of Gojoseon to the powerful Three Kingdoms era and the long reign of the Joseon dynasty, Korean history is marked by innovation, Confucian scholarship, and a strong cultural backbone. Despite invasions, colonization, and the lasting division of the peninsula, Korea has maintained a distinct language, script, and cultural legacy.
Mongolia
Known as the birthplace of the Mongol Empire, Mongolia has a deep nomadic heritage that stretches across the steppes of Central Asia. Mongolia rose to global prominence under the leadership of Genghis Khan in the 13th century, uniting nomadic tribes and forging connections from Europe to Asia. Despite centuries of foreign influence, Mongolia has preserved its language, identity, and nomadic heritage. Today, its past lives on not just in epic histories, but in the enduring customs and landscapes of the steppe.
Ancestry Composition Update
The 23andMe Ancestry Composition report is a living analysis that improves as we add new reference data. Underlying our Ancestry reports are powerful algorithms and analytical tools developed by 23andMe population geneticists and engineers to offer our customers more insights into their ancestral origins.
Recently, we’ve updated results for people with connections to Eastern Europe, European diasporas in North America and South Africa, French and German Groups in North America, and South Asia for instance.
Find out more
If you are a 23andMe customer with the latest genotyping chip, V5, you can see your results in your Ancestry Composition report.
Curious if you’re connected? Discover 23andMe’s Ancestry Service and more.
New Genetic Groups added as part of this update:
China and Taiwan
Bohai Sea
Central Guangdong Coast
Changle District
Chaoshan Region
Gan and Xiang River Basins
Greater Taishan Region
Guangdong Coast
Guanghai Bay
Hai and Liao River Basins
Hainan
Hong Kong
Hong Kong–Shenzhen Region
Hongshui River Basin
Jiao River Basin
Lower Dong River Basin
Lower Min River Basin
Luan and Songhua River Basin
Luoyuan Bay
Min River Estuary
North and Northeast China Plains
Northern Fujian Coast
Northern Guangzhou
Northern Jiangmen
Northern Pearl River Delta
Northern Taishan
Northern Taiwan
Ou River Basin
Pearl River Delta
Shandong and Liaodong Peninsulas
Sichuan Basin
Southeastern China Coast
Southern Guangxi
Southern Jiangmen
Southern Tibetan Plateau
Southwestern Taiwan and Penghu Islands
Taichung Basin
Taihang Mountains
Taipei Basin
Taiwan Strait
Tarim Basin
Wenzhou Coastal Plains
Western Pearl River Delta
Wugui Mountain Region
Xishuangbanna
Yangtze River Delta
Yong River Basin
You River Basin
Zhongshan–Zhuhai Coast
Zhuoshui and Dajia River Basins
Zuo River Basin
Korea
Gyeonggi
Honam
Honam Plain
Jeju Island
Lower Yeongsan River Basin
Mudeungsan
Naejangsan and Haenam Peninsula
Nakdong River Basin
Nam River Basin
North-Central Korean Peninsula
Northern Sobaek Mountains
Southern Sobaek Mountains
Southwestern Korean Coast
Yeongnam
Mongolia
Dzhida River Basin
Eastern Gobi Desert
Eastern Mongolian Steppe
Gobi Altai Mountains
Lake Khövsgöl and Ider River Basin
Lower Selenge River Basin
Mongolian Altai Mountains
Northern Great Lakes Depression
Northern Lake Baikal
Orkhon River Basin
Southern Great Lakes Depression and Suman River Basin
Southwestern Lake Baikal
Transbaikal Region
Tuul River Basin and Southern Khangai Mountains
Western Khangai Mountains
Zavkhan River Basin
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