Korean Proverb Series 34
When Your Cousin Buys Land, Your Stomach Hurts
“사촌이 땅을 사면 배가 아프다”
(Sachoni ttangeul samyeon baega apeuda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “사촌이 땅을 사면 배가 아프다” literally means
“When your cousin buys land, your stomach aches.”
It captures a humorous but truthful side of human nature —
the feeling of jealousy when someone close to us becomes successful.
Rather than celebrating others’ fortune, people sometimes feel envy, even toward family.
This proverb is not just a criticism but a mirror, inviting us to reflect on our own hearts.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ Envy is a natural emotion, but unchecked, it poisons happiness.
▪️ True maturity lies in rejoicing for others’ success.
▪️ The proverb reminds us that jealousy hurts us more than it harms others.
It encourages emotional growth — to replace jealousy with inspiration and gratitude.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ When a friend gets promoted, don’t compare — be motivated.
▪️ When someone achieves what you wanted, learn from their effort.
▪️ In everyday life, shift focus from others’ gain to your own growth.
Turning envy into inspiration transforms bitterness into energy.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States — “Envy eats nothing but its own heart.”
→ Jealousy destroys the one who feels it.
▪️ France — “Envy shoots at others and wounds itself.”
→ The envious harm themselves first.
▪️ Japan — “人の幸せは蜜の味 (Hito no shiawase wa mitsu no aji).”
→ “Another’s happiness tastes like honey.” — a bittersweet irony.
▪️ China — “嫉妒使人盲目 (Jídù shǐ rén mángmù).”
→ Jealousy makes people blind.
Across cultures, envy is seen as a universal weakness —
but also as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth.
💬 A Warm Saying
“When you feel jealousy,
let it remind you of what you truly desire — and grow from it.”
📌 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.
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