🌟 Korean Folktale Series 70
“The Old Man of the Three Stars”
(삼태성 할아버지 이야기 · Samtaeseong Halabeoji Iyagi)
🕰️ 1. The Story
Long ago, when the night sky still spoke to those who listened, there lived a humble farmer named Mugwan. Every evening after tending his fields, he would sit outside his small thatched house and gaze at the stars above.
Among them, three bright stars always shone closest together. The villagers called them Samtaeseong, the Three Stars of Blessing—symbols of fortune, longevity, and happiness.
One cold autumn night, as Mugwan stared at the three stars, he sighed deeply.
“If only I could bring comfort to my aging parents… If only life were a little kinder.”
Suddenly, a warm light fell from the sky, brighter than the full moon. Out of the shimmering glow stepped an old man with a long white beard, wearing robes that sparkled like stardust.
Mugwan stumbled backward in shock.
“W–who are you?”
The old man smiled.
“I am the Old Man of the Three Stars. You called to us with a sincere heart.”
He asked Mugwan,
“What is it that you seek? Wealth? Long life? Happiness beyond measure?”
Mugwan bowed deeply and answered,
“I ask for none of those for myself. I only wish my parents to live comfortably in their final years.”
The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“So many ask for treasures… yet you ask only for kindness.”
He tapped his staff lightly on the ground, and a soft ripple of light spread outward like ripples in a pond.
“Return home. Your wish has already taken root.”
Mugwan hurried back and found his home transformed. His parents, once frail, now sat upright with warm color in their cheeks. The house, once old and worn, had been repaired as if blessed by unseen hands.
In the fields, crops that had withered now stood tall and ready for harvest. Mugwan fell to his knees in gratitude.
That night, the Three Stars shone brighter than ever before. And as he looked up, Mugwan heard a gentle whisper in the wind:
“Those who place love above desire will always receive blessings that never fade.”
The villagers said that from then on, whenever someone with a sincere wish looked up at Samtaeseong, a soft flicker of light danced among the stars—proof that the old man was still watching over the world.
🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons
▪️ True blessings come to those who wish goodness for others.
▪️ Sincerity has the power to move even the heavens.
▪️ Love is a gift that brings fortune without seeking reward.
👀 3. Reflections in Life
▪️ When we care for others first, life quietly rewards us.
▪️ A sincere heart is more powerful than wealth or ambition.
▪️ The greatest blessings are often invisible—health, peace, and family.
🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World
China — The Three Star Gods (Fu, Lu, Shou)
Heavenly beings who bestow fortune, prosperity, and long life on the virtuous.
Japan — The Seven Lucky Gods
Deities who reward sincerity and good-heartedness rather than greed.
Greece — The Blessing of Astraeus
A star god grants favors to mortals who show humility and compassion.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Blessings shine brightest on the hearts that shine for others.”
📌 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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