Korean Folktale : The Immortal’s Elixir

🌕 Korean Folktale Series 61

“The Immortal’s Elixir”

(불사의 약을 가진 선인 · Bulsaui Yak-eul Gajin Seonin)

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🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, when mountains still whispered to the stars, there lived a humble woodcutter named Haeran in a remote valley. Every day, he gathered firewood and shared it with his elderly mother, living a life of quiet simplicity. Though poor, his heart was full of gratitude.

One evening, while resting by a waterfall, he noticed a strange light shimmering through the mist. Curious, he followed it and found an old man with silver-white hair sitting on a smooth stone. His eyes were clear as moonlight.

“Good sir,” Haeran said, bowing respectfully, “are you in need of help?”

The old man smiled.

“Few ask such things anymore. I am a Seonin—an immortal hermit who lives between the worlds of heaven and earth.”

Haeran’s eyes widened. The Seonin continued,

“Your kindness has reached even the heavens. Take this vial. Inside is the Elixir of Immortality. With one drop, you may live forever.”

Haeran hesitated.

“To live forever? But what joy is there in endless days if my mother cannot share them?”

The Seonin’s eyes softened.

“Wisdom lies not in desire, but in compassion. If your heart remains pure, the heavens will bless your choice.”

Haeran returned home and showed the vial to his mother. She smiled weakly and said,

“My son, life is meant to be lived, not hoarded. Use your days well, and you will already live forever in the hearts of others.”

That night, Haeran poured the elixir into the river that nourished his village. From that day forward, the crops grew richer, and no famine struck the land for a hundred years.

When Haeran passed away, people said a soft light rose from the river and lingered in the sky — a star shining brighter than all others. They called it “Haeran’s Star,” believing it was his soul watching over them.

And as for the Seonin, some say he still roams the mountains, searching for another heart as selfless as Haeran’s.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

▪️ Immortality without love is emptiness.
▪️ True eternity is found in the goodness we leave behind.
▪️ Compassion is the greatest blessing of all.

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👀 3. Reflections in Life

▪️ Living well is greater than living long.
▪️ A pure heart can turn even mortality into something eternal.
▪️ Sacrifice born of love nourishes generations to come.

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🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

China — The Elixir of Chang’e
A goddess who drinks the potion of immortality learns that love and longing last longer than life itself.

Japan — The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Princess Kaguya)
An immortal maiden chooses to leave eternal life behind for love and humanity.

Greece — The Story of Tithonus
A mortal given immortality without eternal youth, teaching that eternity without purpose becomes sorrow.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“To live forever is not to escape death, but to fill each life with meaning.”

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📌 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.