Korean Proverb Series 62
You May Know Ten Depths of Water but Not One Depth of a Person’s Heart
“열 길 물속은 알아도 한 길 사람 속은 모른다”
(Yeol gil mul-sogeun arado han gil saram sogeun moreunda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “열 길 물속은 알아도 한 길 사람 속은 모른다” literally means
“You can know the depth of ten rivers, but not the depth of one person’s heart.”
It reflects the profound truth that human emotions and intentions
are often hidden and complex.
While physical things like water or distance can be measured,
the inner thoughts of people cannot.
This proverb reminds us to be careful in judging others
and to approach relationships with empathy and awareness.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ The human heart is deeper than any ocean.
▪️ What we see is only a fraction of the truth.
▪️ Trust should be built slowly and sincerely.
It teaches that understanding people requires more than observation —
it demands time, experience, and genuine connection.
True wisdom lies in humility toward what we cannot see.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ Someone may smile on the outside while hiding pain inside.
▪️ A person who seems gentle may act differently when tempted by gain.
▪️ In business or friendship, judging too quickly can lead to disappointment.
This proverb encourages open-mindedness and compassion —
to listen beyond words and see beyond appearances.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Still waters run deep.”
→ Calm exteriors may hide deep thoughts or emotions.
▪️ China — “知人知面不知心 (Zhī rén zhī miàn bù zhī xīn).”
→ You can know a person’s face, but not their heart.
▪️ Japan — “人の心は奥深い (Hito no kokoro wa okubukai).”
→ The human heart is deep and mysterious.
▪️ France — “Tel visage, tel cœur? Rarement.”
→ The face seldom reflects the heart.
All around the world, cultures agree —
understanding people is the hardest wisdom of all.
💬 A Warm Saying
“You can measure the sea with a rope,
but never the human heart with certainty.”
📌 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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