Korean Folktale : The Sea God’s Daughter and the Human Youth

🌊 Korean Folktale Series 47

“The Sea God’s Daughter and the Human Youth”

(동해용왕의 딸과 인간 청년 · Donghae Yongwang-ui Ttal-gwa Ingan Cheongnyeon)

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🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, on the eastern coast of Korea where the waves crash like drums, there lived a young fisherman named Minsu. Though he was poor, his heart was pure, and he always bowed to the sea before casting his nets, whispering,

“Please, great sea, let me take only what I need.”

One stormy night, Minsu was swept into the raging waters. The waves swallowed his boat, and darkness took him. But when he opened his eyes, he found himself in a glittering underwater palace made of coral and jade.

Before him stood a radiant maiden with eyes as deep as the ocean itself—the daughter of the Sea God (Yongwang). She smiled and said,

“Do not fear. You are safe in my father’s realm. I brought you here to save your life.”

As days passed, Minsu and the sea maiden grew close. They laughed together, walked among coral gardens, and watched silver fish dart like stars through the water. Soon, they fell in love.

But the Sea God, hearing of their affection, thundered with anger.

“A mortal cannot remain in the realm of the sea. Return him to his world!”

The maiden knelt before her father, tears falling like pearls.

“Father, I love him. Let me go with him to the land above.”

Moved by her devotion, the Sea God finally sighed,

“Then take this blue pearl, the heart of the ocean. As long as it shines, you shall both live in peace. But if greed or deceit touches it, it will shatter, and you will be parted forever.”

The two lovers returned to the surface and built a small home by the shore. For many years, they lived happily, sharing their blessings with the villagers. The blue pearl glowed softly each night, casting a peaceful light over the sea.

But one day, pirates heard of the shining jewel and came to steal it. To protect her beloved, the maiden threw the pearl back into the sea, whispering,

“Father, take me home, but let him live.”

A great wave rose, swallowing her form into the depths. The next morning, the sea was calm again, and a single blue shell lay at Minsu’s feet. From that day, the ocean near the village shimmered with a faint sapphire glow, as if her spirit still guarded the shore.

The people called it “The Sea Maiden’s Light.” Fishermen who see the glow at night still bow and say,

“The daughter of the Sea God watches over us.”

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

• True love sacrifices without asking for return.
• Devotion that comes from sincerity is blessed, even in loss.
• The sea, like love, holds both beauty and sorrow within its depths.

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👀 3. Reflections in Life

• Love may separate in body but remains united in spirit.
• The greatest gifts are not kept, but shared freely.
• Every farewell rooted in love becomes a light that never fades.

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🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

•  Japan — The Tale of Urashima Tarō
  A fisherman saved by a sea princess learns the cost of crossing mortal and divine worlds.
•  China — The Legend of the Dragon King’s Daughter
  A sea goddess falls in love with a mortal and protects his descendants.
•  Denmark — The Little Mermaid
  A mermaid’s love and sacrifice echo the eternal longing between two worlds.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Love that gives without fear becomes the light that guides all hearts home.”

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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.