🌲 Korean Folktale Series 42
“The Mountain Spirit and the Herb Gatherer”
(산신령과 약초꾼 · Sansinryeong-gwa Yakchokkun)
🕰️ 1. The Story
Long ago, deep within a misty mountain, there lived a humble herb gatherer who earned his living by collecting rare roots and plants for medicine. Though poor, he was honest and always bowed to the mountain before beginning his work, whispering,
“Great spirit of this land, please allow me to take only what is needed.”
One summer day, he discovered a shining golden root unlike any he had seen before. Its fragrance filled the air, and he thought, “This must be a gift from the heavens!” As he reached out to dig it up, the ground trembled, and a deep voice echoed through the forest:
“Greedy man, do you think the treasures of nature belong to you?”
Startled, the herb gatherer looked up to see the Mountain Spirit (Sansinryeong)—a tall, majestic figure with a white beard and robes made of pine needles. His eyes were calm yet powerful, like the mountain itself.
The man fell to his knees and said, trembling,
“I meant no harm, great spirit. I only wished to save the sick and feed my family.”
The Mountain Spirit studied him for a moment and then smiled faintly.
“Your heart is not evil, only clouded by desire. Take this single root and use it wisely—but remember, if you take more than you need, it will turn to dust in your hands.”
The man bowed deeply and promised to honor the warning. True to his word, he used the root to heal many in his village, never keeping wealth for himself.
Years later, when the herb gatherer grew old, he returned to the mountain to give thanks. As he placed his final offering of rice wine beneath the pine trees, a soft wind carried his voice upward. The villagers said they later saw a faint light rise from the mountain that night—
the Mountain Spirit welcoming the humble gatherer as one of his own.
🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons
- Greed blinds us, but gratitude brings harmony with nature.
- True wealth lies in using gifts for the good of others.
- Respect for the natural world is a path to wisdom and peace.
👀 3. Reflections in Life
- When we take only what we need, the world provides abundantly.
- The greatest healers act from compassion, not from greed.
- Living in balance with nature leads to lasting happiness.
🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World
- China — The Old Man and the Ginseng Spirit
A man learns humility when his greed causes the spirit of a healing root to vanish. - Japan — The Mountain Kami and the Woodcutter
A humble man receives a divine gift for respecting the sacred mountain. - India — The Sage and the Sacred Tree
A hermit learns that the true blessing of nature is not possession but harmony.
💬 A Warm Saying
“The mountain gives its blessings only to those who bow with a humble heart.”
📌 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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