Korean Proverb : Slapped in Jongno, Glare at the Han River

Korean Proverb Series 79

Slapped in Jongno, Glare at the Han River

“종로에서 뺨 맞고 한강 가서 눈 흘긴다”
(Jongno-eseo ppyam matgo Hangang gaseo nun heul-ginda)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “종로에서 뺨 맞고 한강 가서 눈 흘긴다” literally means
“Being slapped in Jongno, then going to the Han River to glare.”

It describes someone who cannot confront the person who actually wronged them,
so they express anger elsewhere —
often toward unrelated people or situations.

This proverb criticizes misdirected anger, indirect resentment,
and avoiding the real issue while showing frustration in a safer or easier place.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

▪️ Face the problem directly — don’t vent at the wrong place.
▪️ Courage is confronting the source, not the innocent.
▪️ Misdirected anger only hurts relationships and solves nothing.

This proverb reminds us to develop emotional clarity and responsibility,
responding to problems at their true origin.

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

▪️ After being scolded by a boss,
　someone goes home and snaps at family members.
▪️ A student embarrassed at school
　complains loudly to unrelated friends.
▪️ A person upset by a mistake
　blames others rather than acknowledging the real cause.

This saying teaches us:
deal with the real issue — not the easiest target.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

▪️ United States — “Kicking the dog.”
　→ Venting frustration on someone innocent.

▪️ United Kingdom — “Taking it out on the wrong person.”
　→ Misplacing anger.

▪️ China — “杀鸡儆猴 (Shā jī jǐng hóu).”
　→ Punishing the wrong target to vent or intimidate.

▪️ Japan — “八つ当たり (Yatsuatari).”
　→ Unfairly taking anger out on someone else.

Across cultures, people recognize the importance of
direct communication rather than displaced anger.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“When hurt, breathe first —
then speak to the one who truly needs to hear your heart.”

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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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