Korean Culture 129

Korean Proverb : Belling the Cat

Korean Proverb Series 39Belling the Cat“고양이 목에 방울 달기”(Goyangi mok-e bangul dalgi)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “고양이 목에 방울 달기” literally means“To hang a bell around a cat’s neck.”It refers to a plan or idea that sounds clever in theorybut is difficult — or even impossible — to carry out in practice.It humorously captures human nature: people often discuss brave solutions,yet..

Korean Folktale : The Story of Ungnyeo, the Mother of Dangun

Korean Folktale Series 40The Story of Ungnyeo, the Mother of Dangun(단군의 어머니 웅녀 이야기 · Ungnyeo Iyagi)📜 1. The Beginning of the LegendLong, long ago, when heaven and earth were still close enough for gods to walk among humans,there lived Hwanung, the son of Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven.Hwanung looked down upon the human world and felt compassion for the people who struggled to live.He asked his fath..

Korean Folktale : The Story of the Good Brothers

Korean Folktale Series 39The Story of the Good Brothers(의좋은 형제 이야기 · Euijoheun Hyeongje Iyagi)📜 1. The Tale BeginsLong ago, in a quiet village surrounded by green fields and gentle hills,there lived two brothers who loved each other dearly.They farmed side by side, shared every meal,and divided their harvest equally — as true brothers should.But one year, the land suffered from drought.Even tho..

Korean Proverb : Words Have Flavor When Spoken, and Meat Has Flavor When Chewed

Korean Proverb Series 38Words Have Flavor When Spoken, and Meat Has Flavor When Chewed“말은 해야 맛이고, 고기는 씹어야 맛이다”(Maleun haeya masigo, gogineun ssibeoya masida)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “말은 해야 맛이고, 고기는 씹어야 맛이다” literally means“Words have flavor when spoken, and meat has flavor when chewed.”It emphasizes that words, like food, must be expressed to fulfill their purpose.Just..

Korean Proverb : Too Many Boatmen Make the Boat Go to the Mountain

Korean Proverb Series 37Too Many Boatmen Make the Boat Go to the Mountain“사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 간다”(Sagongi manheumyeon baega saneuro ganda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 간다” literally means“If there are too many boatmen, the boat will end up on a mountain.”It humorously warns that when too many people try to lead or interfere,the result is confusion and failure.A c..

Korean Folktale : The Legend of Banyabong in Jirisan

🌄 Korean Folktale Series 38“The Legend of Banyabong in Jirisan”(지리산 반야봉 전설 · Jirisan Banyabong Jeonseol)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, when the mountains of Korea still echoed with the voices of spirits, Jirisan (Mt. Jiri) stood as the highest and holiest of all. It was said that gods, tigers, and monks once shared its slopes, each seeking wisdom in their own way.At the heart of Jirisan rose a gentl..

Korean Folktale : The Reaper Who Was Tricked

🌫️ Korean Folktale Series 37“The Reaper Who Was Tricked”(저승사자 속은 이야기 · Jeoseungsaja Sog-eun Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a quiet village at the foot of a misty mountain, there lived an old man named Mr. Bae, known for his sharp wit and mischievous charm. Though poor, he laughed easily and often joked that even the reaper of the underworld (Jeoseungsaja) would have a hard time taking him a..

Korean Proverb : The Arm Bends Inward

Korean Proverb Series 36The Arm Bends Inward“팔은 안으로 굽는다”(Pareun aneuro gupneunda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “팔은 안으로 굽는다” literally means“The arm bends inward.”It expresses the idea that people naturally favor their own side —family, friends, or those they feel close to —even when fairness might demand otherwise.This saying reveals a realistic understanding of human natur..

Korean Proverb : After Hardship Comes Happiness

Korean Proverb Series 35After Hardship Comes Happiness“고생 끝에 낙이 온다”(Gosaeng kkeute nagi onda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “고생 끝에 낙이 온다” literally means“At the end of hardship comes joy.”It reflects a deep Korean belief that patience and perseverance lead to better days.Just as spring follows winter, happiness eventually follows suffering.This saying offers comfort and cour..

Korean Folktale : The Oath of General Gyebaek

⚔️ Korean Folktale Series 36“The Oath of General Gyebaek”(계백 장군의 맹세 · Gyebaek Janggun-ui Maengse)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, during the final days of the Baekje Kingdom in ancient Korea, there lived a valiant warrior named General Gyebaek. Known for his unwavering loyalty, courage, and sense of duty, he served his king and country with absolute devotion. When the powerful kingdom of Silla, allied ..