Korean Folktale : The Story of the Green Frog

🍂 Korean Folktale Series 9

“The Story of the Green Frog”

(청개구리 이야기 · Cheong Gaeguri Iyagi)

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🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, by a quiet riverside, there lived a mischievous little green frog and his devoted mother. The frog was known throughout the valley for his rebellious nature — he always did the opposite of what his mother told him.

When his mother asked him to go east, he would go west. When she told him to sing softly, he croaked loudly. Despite her patience, the mother frog grew weary and often sighed, “Why can’t you ever listen, my dear child?”

As time passed, the mother frog became ill. Knowing her end was near, she worried that her son would once again do the opposite of what she said. So, she told him, “When I die, bury me beside the river.” She hoped he would disobey her one last time and choose a safer place instead.

 

But when she passed away, the son, filled with deep regret and sorrow, decided to obey her final wish for the first time in his life. He buried her beside the river, just as she had asked. Every time it rained, he cried out by the riverside, fearing the water might wash her grave away.

To this day, Koreans say that the cries of frogs before rain are the echoes of the green frog mourning for his mother.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

The tale of The Green Frog reflects:

• The pain of disobedience and the importance of listening to loved ones.
• How regret often comes too late, after we lose what truly matters.
• The enduring bond between parent and child, even beyond death.

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👀 3. Examples from Life

• Children who ignore their parents’ words often realize their value only when it’s too late.
• Expressing love and gratitude while we still can prevents lifelong regret.
• The story reminds us that true obedience comes from love, not fear.

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🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

•  Japan: Tales of mischievous spirits or children who learn wisdom through loss.
•  China: Parables teaching filial piety and the consequences of neglect.
•  Europe: The Prodigal Son — a story where repentance follows disobedience.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Listen with love while you still can,
for regret echoes louder than any cry.”

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📌 Note

This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
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