Korean Proverb : It Is Dark Under the Lamp

Korean Proverb Series 6

It Is Dark Under the Lamp

(Deungjan mit-i eodupda · 등잔 밑이 어둡다)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb

The Korean proverb “등잔 밑이 어둡다” literally means,
“It is dark under the lamp.”

It conveys the idea that what is closest to us is often the most difficult to notice.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lesson

• People tend to overlook things that are right before their eyes.
• The proverb teaches that overfamiliarity can cause blindness to the obvious.
• It encourages mindfulness and deeper awareness in daily life.

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👀 3. Example from Life

• A person searches everywhere for their glasses, only to realize they are wearing them.
• A company struggles to find a solution while ignoring the simple ideas of its own employees.
• Parents sometimes fail to recognize the hidden talents of their own children.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

🇺🇸 “The darkest place is under the candlestick.” – An old English proverb with a nearly identical meaning.

🇯🇵 「灯台下暗し」 (Tōdai moto kurashi) – “It is dark at the base of the lighthouse.”

🇨🇳 “灯下黑” (Dēng xià hēi) – “Darkness lies beneath the lamp.”

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💬 A Warm Saying

“What seems most hidden
may lie right before your eyes.”

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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.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.