Korean Culture 129

Korean Proverb : The More Haste, the Less Speed

Korean Proverb Series 29The More Haste, the Less Speed"급할수록 돌아가라"(Geupal-surok doragara)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “급할수록 돌아가라” literally translates to:“When in a hurry, take the longer way around.”It means that rushing often leads to mistakes or setbacks, while careful and deliberate action ultimately brings faster, better results. The proverb teaches the wisdom of patie..

Korean Folktale : The Evening Primrose and the Girl’s Promise

🌼 Korean Folktale Series 30“The Evening Primrose and the Girl’s Promise”(달맞이꽃과 소녀의 약속 · Dalmaji Kkot-gwa Sonyeoui Yaksok)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a quiet village near the edge of a forest, there lived a young girl named Areum. She was kind, gentle, and loved the night sky more than anything. Each evening, she would sit by the stream, gazing at the moon’s reflection and whispering her dreams..

Korean Folktale : The Tale of Dalrae and Gosari – The Love of the Mountain Sisters

🌸 Korean Folktale Series 29“The Tale of Dalrae and Gosari – The Love of the Mountain Sisters”(달래와 고사리, 산에서 핀 자매의 사랑 · Dalrae-wa Gosari Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, at the foot of a quiet mountain, lived two sisters named Dalrae and Gosari. They had lost their parents when they were young and survived by helping one another. Though their house was poor and their meals small, their laughter fi..

Korean Proverb : No Tree Stands After Ten Strikes

Korean Proverb Series 28No Tree Stands After Ten Strikes"열 번 찍어 안 넘어가는 나무 없다"(Yeol beon jjigeo an neomeoganeun namu eopda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “열 번 찍어 안 넘어가는 나무 없다” literally translates to:“There is no tree that won’t fall after being struck ten times.”It expresses the idea that persistence conquers even the most difficult tasks. Continuous effort, determination, a..

Korean Proverb : The Dog That Chased the Chicken Looks Up at the Roof

Korean Proverb Series 27The Dog That Chased the Chicken Looks Up at the Roof"닭 쫓던 개 지붕 쳐다본다"(Dak jjotdeon gae jibung cheodabonda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “닭 쫓던 개 지붕 쳐다본다” literally translates to:“The dog that chased the chicken now looks up at the roof.”It describes the feeling of helplessness or regret after losing something that was within reach. Just as the dog can ..

Korean Folktale : The Moon and the Magpie – The Story of Seollal

🕊️ Korean Folktale Series 28“The Moon and the Magpie – The Story of Seollal”(달과 까치, 까치설날 이야기 · Dalgwa Kkachi Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, when the world was still young and the sky was close to the earth, the Moon and the Magpie were dear friends. The magpie, cheerful and talkative, often brought messages between heaven and humankind, while the moon silently watched over all creatures with g..

Korean Folktale : The Returned Filial Son – The Tale That Moved Even the Magistrate

🌿 Korean Folktale Series 27“The Returned Filial Son – The Tale That Moved Even the Magistrate”(돌아온 효자, 원님도 감동한 이야기 · Doraon Hyoja Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a peaceful village surrounded by green hills, there lived a young man named Seonwoo, known for his deep devotion to his elderly mother. Though poor, he worked tirelessly to care for her, sharing every meal and bowing to her each mor..

Korean Proverb : Beyond One Mountain Lies Another

Korean Proverb Series 26Beyond One Mountain Lies Another"산 넘어 산이다"(San neomeo san-ida)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “산 넘어 산이다” literally translates to:“Beyond one mountain lies another.”It means that life’s challenges often come one after another. When we overcome one difficulty, another may appear — yet this is not to discourage us, but to remind us that persistence and co..

Korean Folktale : The Guardians of the Village – The Tale of the Jangseung and the Village Spirits

🌲 Korean Folktale Series 26“The Guardians of the Village – The Tale of the Jangseung and the Village Spirits”(장승과 마을 수호신 이야기 · Jangseung-gwa Maeul Suhosin Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, before cities and roads spread across Korea, people lived in small villages surrounded by mountains, rivers, and endless fields. Life was simple yet uncertain—diseases, wild beasts, and bad harvests could strik..

Korean Proverb : Empty Carts Make the Most Noise

Korean Proverb Series 25Empty Carts Make the Most Noise"빈 수레가 요란하다"(Bin sure-ga yoranhada)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “빈 수레가 요란하다” literally translates to:“An empty cart makes a loud noise.”It means that people who lack true knowledge, ability, or depth often make the most fuss. Just as an empty cart rattles noisily while a full one moves quietly, the proverb warns agains..