Korean Folktale : The Journey to the Underworld for a Poor Mother

🌒 Korean Folktale Series 53

“The Journey to the Underworld for a Poor Mother”

(가난한 어머니를 위한 저승길 · Gananhan Eomeoni-reul Wihan Jeoseung-gil)

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🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, in a small mountain village, there lived a poor widow and her only son, Dong-hyun. Though their home was no bigger than a straw hut, the boy’s heart overflowed with love for his mother. He worked every day cutting wood and gathering herbs, often skipping meals so she could eat.

One harsh winter, the mother fell gravely ill. With no money for medicine, Dong-hyun went to the temple and prayed before the Buddha, saying,

“If my life can buy my mother’s health, take me instead.”

That night, he dreamed of a shadowy figure—the Messenger of the Underworld (Jeoseungsaja)—who said solemnly,

“Your wish has reached the heavens. If you truly desire it, follow me to the land beyond, where your sincerity shall be tested.”

Without hesitation, Dong-hyun nodded. In a flash of light, he found himself on a long, misty road. On either side, spirits wandered weeping, and a cold river stretched endlessly before him—the River of Souls.

At its edge stood a ferryman, who said,

“No living soul may cross unless they carry a heart pure enough to light the way.”

Dong-hyun placed his hand on his chest and whispered, “My mother’s love lights mine.”
A warm glow emerged from his heart, illuminating the path. The ferryman, moved by the sight, let him pass.

At the far shore stood a tall gate guarded by the King of the Underworld, Yeomna Daewang. The king thundered,

“Why does a living boy come to my realm?”

Dong-hyun knelt. “I came to beg for my mother’s life. She has suffered enough.”

The king looked into his soul and saw no deceit. After a long silence, he said,

“Such devotion moves even the dead. Return to the living world, and your mother shall awaken. But know this—your days are now tied to hers. When her final breath comes, your journey will end beside her.”

Dong-hyun bowed deeply and stepped back through the gate. When he opened his eyes, he was home again, his mother calling his name. She had miraculously recovered.

Years later, when she passed peacefully in her sleep, the villagers said they saw two lights—one larger, one smaller—drifting together toward the mountain, glowing softly like lanterns on the river of souls.

From that time, people in the village placed two candles on the graves of loving families, saying,

“So that they may find each other again on the road beyond.”

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

• True love transcends the boundary between life and death.
• Selfless devotion brings light even to the darkest paths.
• The bond between parent and child is the purest form of eternity.

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👀 3. Reflections in Life

• When we love without measure, even heaven listens.
• The spirit of sacrifice lives forever in the hearts it protects.
• Love does not end—it simply changes its form.

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🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

•  China — The Tale of Mulian and His Mother
  A monk journeys to the underworld to rescue his mother through filial devotion.
•  Japan — The River of Sanzu
  A child’s spirit helps their parent cross safely into the next life.
•  Italy — The Soul’s Candle Legend
  A loving child’s light guides a lost parent through the realm of death.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“A love that walks into darkness for another will always find the light.”

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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.