Korean Folktale : The Tale of the Lucky Man – The Tiger and the Magistrate’s Blessing

🐯 Korean Folktale Series 19

“The Tale of the Lucky Man – The Tiger and the Magistrate’s Blessing”

(운 좋은 사람도 복이다 · Wonnimdeoge Horangi Jabeun Iyagi)

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🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, in a small mountain village, there lived a timid but kind man who was often ridiculed by others for his clumsiness. He never sought trouble and always tried to live peacefully, though he seemed to have no special talents—except for one: he was unfailingly lucky.

 

One winter morning, news spread through the village that a ferocious tiger had been roaming the nearby hills, attacking livestock and terrifying travelers. The magistrate of the region promised a large reward to anyone who could capture the beast. Many brave hunters set out with spears and traps, but none returned with success.

 

The timid man, curious but fearful, decided to visit the mountains simply to collect firewood. As fate would have it, he stumbled upon the tiger lying motionless near a tree—it had been caught earlier by another hunter’s trap and had already died.

 

Terrified yet seeing an opportunity, the man hurried down the mountain shouting, “I’ve caught the tiger! I’ve caught it!” The villagers gathered in disbelief, and soon the magistrate himself arrived. Seeing the tiger’s body, he praised the man’s “courage and skill” and rewarded him generously with silver and grain.

 

Though he had done nothing heroic, fortune had smiled upon him. From that day, people began saying, “Even a lucky man’s fortune is a blessing of its own.” The timid man lived comfortably ever after, always humble, grateful, and amused by the strange turns of fate.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

• Sometimes, luck itself is a form of virtue—a gift that life bestows unexpectedly.
• Success is not always earned through strength; at times, it comes through timing and grace.
• Being humble and grateful allows blessings to flow naturally.

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👀 3. Reflections in Life

• Not all victories are born from effort—some come from chance, yet still carry meaning.
• When luck comes your way, accept it with humility, not pride.
• Even small fortunes can change a life when met with gratitude.

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🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

•  China — The Foolish Man Who Moved the Mountain
  A story showing that perseverance or unexpected luck can overcome obstacles.
•  India — The Lazy Brahmin and the Pot of Gold
  A parable where fortune favors the unsuspecting, teaching gratitude over greed.
•  Europe — Jack and the Beanstalk
  A young boy’s accidental adventure brings him wealth and honor—luck meets courage.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Sometimes, fortune knocks on the quietest door.”

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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.