Korean Culture 129

Korean Folktale : The King Crab and the Sea God

🌊 Korean Folktale Series 45“The King Crab and the Sea God”(울진 대게와 바다신 · Uljin Daege-wa Badashin)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in the coastal village of Uljin, fishermen depended on the sea for everything—food, livelihood, and even hope. But one year, fierce storms battered the shore, and the waves swallowed their boats. No fish could be found, and hunger spread through the village. One humble fishe..

Korean Proverb : A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant

Korean Proverb Series 44A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant“꿩 대신 닭”(Kkwong daesin dak)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “꿩 대신 닭” literally means“A chicken instead of a pheasant.”It teaches the wisdom of accepting alternatives when the ideal is out of reach.Rather than clinging to what’s lost, it’s better to make the best of what’s available.The proverb reflects Korean practicality ..

Korean Proverb : Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?

Korean Proverb Series 43Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?“참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴”(Chamsaega bangatgan-eul geunyang jinarya)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴” literally means“Can a sparrow just pass by a mill?”It humorously describes how people can’t resist temptation —especially when something they love or desire is right in front of them.Just as a sparrow can’t help..

Korean Folktale : The Shoes of the Departed – The Tale of the Spirit’s Gift

🌸 Korean Folktale Series 44“The Shoes of the Departed – The Tale of the Spirit’s Gift”(망자의 꽃신 · Mangja-ui Ggotshin)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a quiet riverside village, there lived a young woman named Suhwa who was known for her kindness and the delicate shoes she made from silk and flowers. She lived with her mother, and together they crafted embroidered shoes for brides and travelers. One s..

Korean Folktale : General Yi Sun-sin and the Legend of Yongjangsan

⚓ Korean Folktale Series 43“General Yi Sun-sin and the Legend of Yongjangsan”(이순신 장군과 용장산 전설 · Yi Sun-sin Janggun-gwa Yongjangsan Jeonseol)🕰️ 1. The StoryDuring the late 16th century, when the Korean Peninsula faced the fierce invasion of foreign fleets, there arose a hero whose name still echoes through the ages—Admiral Yi Sun-sin. In those desperate days, Yi commanded the Korean navy with wis..

Korean Proverb : Even a Flea Has a Face

Korean Proverb Series 42Even a Flea Has a Face“벼룩도 낯짝이 있다”(Byeorukdo natjjagi itda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “벼룩도 낯짝이 있다” literally means“Even a flea has a face.”It teaches that no matter how small, weak, or insignificant someone may seem, everyone has pride, dignity, and feelings.Mocking or belittling others is shameful, because respect is not about size or status — it..

Korean Proverb : Old Habits Die Hard

Korean Proverb Series 41Old Habits Die Hard“제 버릇 개 못 준다”(Je beoreut gae mot junda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “제 버릇 개 못 준다” literally means“A dog cannot give up its own habit.”It describes how difficult it is for people to change their long-held habits or nature.No matter how much one tries to appear different, deep-rooted behavior often returns over time.The proverb carr..

Korean Folktale : The Mountain Spirit and the Herb Gatherer

🌲 Korean Folktale Series 42“The Mountain Spirit and the Herb Gatherer”(산신령과 약초꾼 · Sansinryeong-gwa Yakchokkun)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, deep within a misty mountain, there lived a humble herb gatherer who earned his living by collecting rare roots and plants for medicine. Though poor, he was honest and always bowed to the mountain before beginning his work, whispering,“Great spirit of this land..

Korean Folktale : The Tale of the Rabbit’s Liver

🐇 Korean Folktale Series 41“The Tale of the Rabbit’s Liver”(토끼의 간 이야기 · Tokki-ui Gan Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, beneath the deep blue sea, there lived the Dragon King, ruler of the underwater palace. One day, he fell gravely ill, and none of his doctors could find a cure. Then a wise old turtle stepped forward and said,“Your Majesty, legend says that the liver of a rabbit can heal any sick..

Korean Proverb : The Frog Forgets When It Was a Tadpole

Korean Proverb Series 40The Frog Forgets When It Was a Tadpole“개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다”(Gaeguri olchaengi jeok saenggak mot handa)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다” literally means“A frog forgets the time when it was a tadpole.”It describes someone who, after achieving success or comfort,forgets their humble beginnings or the hardships they once faced.The saying is..