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
