🌊 Korean Folktale Series 45
“The King Crab and the Sea God”
(울진 대게와 바다신 · Uljin Daege-wa Badashin)
🕰️ 1. The Story
Long ago, in the coastal village of Uljin, fishermen depended on the sea for everything—food, livelihood, and even hope. But one year, fierce storms battered the shore, and the waves swallowed their boats. No fish could be found, and hunger spread through the village.
One humble fisherman named Junho prayed each night to the Sea God (Haeshin) for mercy. One dawn, exhausted from waiting, he set out alone into the misty waters. The sea was calm for the first time in weeks. As he cast his net, it caught something heavy and strange.
When he pulled it up, he found not a fish—but a magnificent crab, larger than any he had ever seen. Its shell shimmered like jade, and its claws glowed faintly as though lit from within. Junho marveled but hesitated. Just then, a voice echoed from the waves:
“Fisherman, that crab is my messenger. Release it, and I shall bless your village.”
Junho bowed deeply to the sea and returned the crab to the water, whispering a prayer of gratitude. The waves rippled gently, and the crab disappeared beneath the foam.
That evening, the sea glowed gold under the setting sun, and the villagers found their nets overflowing with fish and crabs. Since that day, Uljin’s waters have remained rich with life, and the people have honored the King Crab (Daege) as a sacred gift of the Sea God.
Every spring, the villagers still hold a small ceremony by the shore. They release the first crab they catch, saying,
“To the god of the sea, who feeds us and forgives us, may your messenger swim free.”
It is said that when the moonlight touches the waves of Uljin, a giant crab can sometimes be seen rising briefly from the depths—its claws lifted like hands in prayer, blessing the fishermen who respect the sea.
🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons
- Gratitude and respect bring abundance, while greed invites loss.
- Nature rewards those who live in harmony with it.
- True devotion is shown through giving, not taking.
👀 3. Reflections in Life
- When we act with sincerity, unseen blessings return like the tide.
- The ocean, like life, offers its gifts to those who approach it humbly.
- Prosperity built on respect lasts longer than wealth taken by force.
🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World
- China — The Dragon King’s Pearl
A fisherman spares a sea creature and is rewarded by the ocean’s guardian. - Japan — Urashima Tarō
A kind fisherman rescues a sea turtle and is taken to the undersea palace as a guest of the gods. - Greece — Poseidon and the Fisherman
The sea god blesses a humble man who honors the ocean’s power.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Those who bow to the sea are lifted by its waves.”
📌 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.
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