Korean Proverb : Rice Cake in a Painting

Korean Proverb Series 82

Rice Cake in a Painting

“그림의 떡”
(Geurim-ui tteok)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “그림의 떡” literally means
“Rice cake in a painting.”

It refers to something that looks attractive but cannot be used or enjoyed —
a beautiful illusion with no practical value.
Just like a painted rice cake cannot satisfy hunger,
some promises or opportunities exist only in appearance, not reality.

This proverb highlights the difference between wishful thinking and real substance.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

▪️ Appearance alone cannot satisfy real needs.
▪️ Dreams without action remain illusions.
▪️ Practical value matters more than empty hope.

The proverb teaches us to distinguish
what is truly attainable from what merely looks appealing.

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

▪️ A job offer with great promises but no actual benefits.
▪️ Plans discussed endlessly without any concrete action.
▪️ Admiring success without taking steps to achieve it.

This saying reminds us that
real progress comes from action, not imagination alone.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “All show and no substance.”
　→ Looks impressive but lacks real value.

▪️ United Kingdom — “Fine words butter no parsnips.”
　→ Words alone don’t get things done.

▪️ China — “画饼充饥 (Huà bǐng chōng jī).”
　→ Drawing cakes to satisfy hunger — empty comfort.

▪️ Japan — “絵に描いた餅 (E ni kaita mochi).”
　→ Rice cake drawn in a picture — exactly the same meaning.

Across cultures, the lesson is clear —
only what is real can truly sustain us.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Dream boldly —
but turn your dreams into something you can truly hold.”

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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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