Korean Proverbs & World Proverbs 85

Korean Proverb : Measuring the Height of Acorns

Korean Proverb Series 45Measuring the Height of Acorns“도토리 키 재기”(Dotori ki jaegi)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “도토리 키 재기” literally means“Measuring the height of acorns.”It describes a situation where differences are so smallthat comparing them is meaningless.Just as all acorns are nearly the same size, some comparisons in life bring no real insight — only pride or frustrat..

Korean Proverb : A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant

Korean Proverb Series 44A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant“꿩 대신 닭”(Kkwong daesin dak)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “꿩 대신 닭” literally means“A chicken instead of a pheasant.”It teaches the wisdom of accepting alternatives when the ideal is out of reach.Rather than clinging to what’s lost, it’s better to make the best of what’s available.The proverb reflects Korean practicality ..

Korean Proverb : Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?

Korean Proverb Series 43Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?“참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴”(Chamsaega bangatgan-eul geunyang jinarya)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴” literally means“Can a sparrow just pass by a mill?”It humorously describes how people can’t resist temptation —especially when something they love or desire is right in front of them.Just as a sparrow can’t help..

Korean Proverb : Even a Flea Has a Face

Korean Proverb Series 42Even a Flea Has a Face“벼룩도 낯짝이 있다”(Byeorukdo natjjagi itda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “벼룩도 낯짝이 있다” literally means“Even a flea has a face.”It teaches that no matter how small, weak, or insignificant someone may seem, everyone has pride, dignity, and feelings.Mocking or belittling others is shameful, because respect is not about size or status — it..

Korean Proverb : Old Habits Die Hard

Korean Proverb Series 41Old Habits Die Hard“제 버릇 개 못 준다”(Je beoreut gae mot junda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “제 버릇 개 못 준다” literally means“A dog cannot give up its own habit.”It describes how difficult it is for people to change their long-held habits or nature.No matter how much one tries to appear different, deep-rooted behavior often returns over time.The proverb carr..

Korean Proverb : The Frog Forgets When It Was a Tadpole

Korean Proverb Series 40The Frog Forgets When It Was a Tadpole“개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다”(Gaeguri olchaengi jeok saenggak mot handa)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다” literally means“A frog forgets the time when it was a tadpole.”It describes someone who, after achieving success or comfort,forgets their humble beginnings or the hardships they once faced.The saying is..

Korean Proverb : Belling the Cat

Korean Proverb Series 39Belling the Cat“고양이 목에 방울 달기”(Goyangi mok-e bangul dalgi)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “고양이 목에 방울 달기” literally means“To hang a bell around a cat’s neck.”It refers to a plan or idea that sounds clever in theorybut is difficult — or even impossible — to carry out in practice.It humorously captures human nature: people often discuss brave solutions,yet..

Korean Proverb : Words Have Flavor When Spoken, and Meat Has Flavor When Chewed

Korean Proverb Series 38Words Have Flavor When Spoken, and Meat Has Flavor When Chewed“말은 해야 맛이고, 고기는 씹어야 맛이다”(Maleun haeya masigo, gogineun ssibeoya masida)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “말은 해야 맛이고, 고기는 씹어야 맛이다” literally means“Words have flavor when spoken, and meat has flavor when chewed.”It emphasizes that words, like food, must be expressed to fulfill their purpose.Just..

Korean Proverb : Too Many Boatmen Make the Boat Go to the Mountain

Korean Proverb Series 37Too Many Boatmen Make the Boat Go to the Mountain“사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 간다”(Sagongi manheumyeon baega saneuro ganda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 간다” literally means“If there are too many boatmen, the boat will end up on a mountain.”It humorously warns that when too many people try to lead or interfere,the result is confusion and failure.A c..

Korean Proverb : The Arm Bends Inward

Korean Proverb Series 36The Arm Bends Inward“팔은 안으로 굽는다”(Pareun aneuro gupneunda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “팔은 안으로 굽는다” literally means“The arm bends inward.”It expresses the idea that people naturally favor their own side —family, friends, or those they feel close to —even when fairness might demand otherwise.This saying reveals a realistic understanding of human natur..