Korean Folktale : The Flying Squirrel and the Woodcutter

🐿️ Korean Folktale Series 83

“The Flying Squirrel and the Woodcutter”
(청설모와 나무꾼 · Cheongseolmo-wa Namukkum)

---

🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, in a deep forest where tall pines whispered ancient secrets, there lived a humble woodcutter named Seorin. He earned his living by gathering fallen branches and cutting only what the forest could spare. Before lifting his axe each morning, he bowed to the trees and murmured,

“I take only what I need.”

One winter afternoon, as snow began to fall, Seorin heard a sharp cry from above. High in the branches, a flying squirrel (cheongseolmo) struggled, its delicate wing-membrane torn by a thorny vine. The creature slipped and fell, landing weakly at Seorin’s feet.

Without hesitation, Seorin set down his axe. He wrapped the squirrel gently in his scarf and carried it to his small hut. For days, he nursed the creature—cleaning the wound, sharing his meager food, and keeping the fire warm through the cold nights.

As the squirrel healed, it watched Seorin with bright, knowing eyes. One night, when the moon was full, the forest grew strangely quiet. The squirrel leapt onto the windowsill and spoke in a soft voice:

“Woodcutter, your kindness has not gone unnoticed.”

Seorin froze, then bowed deeply.

“I did only what was right.”

The squirrel continued,

“I am a guardian of this forest. Those who take with respect are protected in return. Follow me at dawn.”

At first light, the squirrel led Seorin deep into the woods, to a hidden grove where fallen trees lay neatly arranged and mushrooms grew in abundance. A clear spring bubbled nearby, never freezing even in winter.

“Take from here,” said the squirrel.
“This place will provide, as long as your heart remains gentle.”

From that day on, Seorin never went hungry. Yet he never grew greedy. He shared food with travelers, helped neighbors rebuild after storms, and continued to honor the forest.

Years later, when Seorin grew old, villagers said they saw a flying squirrel gliding above his roof each night, watching over him. And when he finally passed, the forest seemed to sigh softly—as if saying farewell to a friend.

To this day, elders tell children:

“If you walk the forest with kindness, the forest will walk with you.”

---

🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

▪️ Kindness to the small and weak returns as lasting protection.
▪️ Taking only what we need keeps harmony with nature.
▪️ True wealth is earned through respect, not force.

---

👀 3. Reflections in Life

▪️ Compassion often opens doors hidden from those who rush.
▪️ Nature responds to how we treat it—gently or harshly.
▪️ A quiet, respectful life leaves the deepest legacy.

---

🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

Japan — The Grateful Animal Spirit
A rescued creature repays kindness by guiding a human to hidden blessings.

China — The Woodcutter and the Mountain Spirit
A man who respects nature is rewarded with protection and abundance.

Germany — The Forest Helper
A humble man aided by woodland creatures after showing compassion.

---

💬 A Warm Saying

“Those who care for the forest never walk alone.”

---

📌 Note

This is creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission. Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.