Korean Proverb : To Catch a Tiger’s Cub, One Must Enter the Tiger’s Den

Korean Proverb Series 20

To Catch a Tiger’s Cub, One Must Enter the Tiger’s Den

"호랑이 굴에 가야 호랑이 새끼를 잡는다"
(Horangi gurae gaya horangi saeggireul jabneunda)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “호랑이 굴에 가야 호랑이 새끼를 잡는다” literally translates to:
“You must go into the tiger’s den to catch its cub.”

It means that success or great rewards come only through courage and risk. The proverb encourages boldness — reminding us that no meaningful achievement is possible without stepping into uncertainty or facing danger head-on.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

• True success requires taking calculated risks and overcoming fear.
• The proverb teaches that comfort and safety rarely lead to growth.
• It reminds us that those who dare to act bravely are the ones who discover opportunity and triumph.

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

• An entrepreneur invests in a bold idea despite uncertainty, leading to innovation and success.
• A student applies for a competitive program, knowing that challenge brings growth.
• A person confronts a difficult truth in a relationship, understanding that honesty requires courage.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

CountryProverb / SayingInterpretation

 

United States	“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”	Without risk, there can be no reward.
United Kingdom	“Fortune favors the bold.”	Luck tends to follow those who act courageously.
China	“不入虎穴，焉得虎子” (Bù rù hǔ xué, yān dé hǔ zǐ)	“If you do not enter the tiger’s den, how can you catch its cub?” — the origin of the Korean proverb.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Courage opens doors
that fear keeps closed.”

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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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