Korean Folktales & World Folktales 72

Korean Folktale : The Mountain Spirit and the Herb Gatherer

🌲 Korean Folktale Series 42“The Mountain Spirit and the Herb Gatherer”(산신령과 약초꾼 · Sansinryeong-gwa Yakchokkun)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, deep within a misty mountain, there lived a humble herb gatherer who earned his living by collecting rare roots and plants for medicine. Though poor, he was honest and always bowed to the mountain before beginning his work, whispering,“Great spirit of this land..

Korean Folktale : The Tale of the Rabbit’s Liver

🐇 Korean Folktale Series 41“The Tale of the Rabbit’s Liver”(토끼의 간 이야기 · Tokki-ui Gan Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, beneath the deep blue sea, there lived the Dragon King, ruler of the underwater palace. One day, he fell gravely ill, and none of his doctors could find a cure. Then a wise old turtle stepped forward and said,“Your Majesty, legend says that the liver of a rabbit can heal any sick..

Korean Folktale : The Story of Ungnyeo, the Mother of Dangun

Korean Folktale Series 40The Story of Ungnyeo, the Mother of Dangun(단군의 어머니 웅녀 이야기 · Ungnyeo Iyagi)📜 1. The Beginning of the LegendLong, long ago, when heaven and earth were still close enough for gods to walk among humans,there lived Hwanung, the son of Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven.Hwanung looked down upon the human world and felt compassion for the people who struggled to live.He asked his fath..

Korean Folktale : The Story of the Good Brothers

Korean Folktale Series 39The Story of the Good Brothers(의좋은 형제 이야기 · Euijoheun Hyeongje Iyagi)📜 1. The Tale BeginsLong ago, in a quiet village surrounded by green fields and gentle hills,there lived two brothers who loved each other dearly.They farmed side by side, shared every meal,and divided their harvest equally — as true brothers should.But one year, the land suffered from drought.Even tho..

Korean Folktale : The Legend of Banyabong in Jirisan

🌄 Korean Folktale Series 38“The Legend of Banyabong in Jirisan”(지리산 반야봉 전설 · Jirisan Banyabong Jeonseol)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, when the mountains of Korea still echoed with the voices of spirits, Jirisan (Mt. Jiri) stood as the highest and holiest of all. It was said that gods, tigers, and monks once shared its slopes, each seeking wisdom in their own way.At the heart of Jirisan rose a gentl..

Korean Folktale : The Reaper Who Was Tricked

🌫️ Korean Folktale Series 37“The Reaper Who Was Tricked”(저승사자 속은 이야기 · Jeoseungsaja Sog-eun Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a quiet village at the foot of a misty mountain, there lived an old man named Mr. Bae, known for his sharp wit and mischievous charm. Though poor, he laughed easily and often joked that even the reaper of the underworld (Jeoseungsaja) would have a hard time taking him a..

Korean Folktale : The Oath of General Gyebaek

⚔️ Korean Folktale Series 36“The Oath of General Gyebaek”(계백 장군의 맹세 · Gyebaek Janggun-ui Maengse)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, during the final days of the Baekje Kingdom in ancient Korea, there lived a valiant warrior named General Gyebaek. Known for his unwavering loyalty, courage, and sense of duty, he served his king and country with absolute devotion. When the powerful kingdom of Silla, allied ..

Korean Folktale : The Sotdae and the Village Spirit

🪶 Korean Folktale Series 35“The Sotdae and the Village Spirit”(솟대와 마을 신 · Sotdae-wa Maeul Sin)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, before tall buildings or roads existed, Korean villages stood close to mountains and rivers. Each had its own guardian spirit—an unseen protector watching over crops, animals, and people.One spring, after a harsh winter, a village suffered from illness and poor harvests. The v..

Korean Folktale : The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon

🐯 Korean Folktale Series 34“The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon”(호랑이와 곶감 · Horang-i wa Gotgam)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a small mountain village, there lived a fierce tiger who believed there was nothing in the world he needed to fear. He was the king of the forest—strong, proud, and feared by all.One cold winter night, hungry and restless, the tiger crept down toward the village in search of ..

Korean Folktale : The Fairy and the Shepherd of Mudeungsan

🌄 Korean Folktale Series 33“The Fairy and the Shepherd of Mudeungsan”(무등산 선녀와 목동 · Mudeungsan Seonnyeo-wa Mokdong)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in the tranquil valleys of Mudeungsan Mountain, there lived a humble shepherd named Dong-ha. Each morning, he led his flock through the misty meadows, singing softly to the rising sun. Though poor, his heart was pure, and he often shared food with travelers..