Koreanculture 169

Korean Folktale : The Immortal’s Elixir

🌕 Korean Folktale Series 61 “The Immortal’s Elixir”(불사의 약을 가진 선인 · Bulsaui Yak-eul Gajin Seonin)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, when mountains still whispered to the stars, there lived a humble woodcutter named Haeran in a remote valley. Every day, he gathered firewood and shared it with his elderly mother, living a life of quiet simplicity. Though poor, his heart was full of gratitude.One evening, w..

Korean Traditional Game : Ttangttameokgi

🌿 Korean Traditional Game Series 40 Ttangttameokgi(땅따먹기 · Korean Territory Game)🕰️ 1. IntroductionTtangttameokgi (땅따먹기), literally meaning “eating the land,” is a beloved Korean children’s outdoor game that tests both strategy and agility.It was most popular during the spring and summer, when children gathered in open yards or playgrounds to claim “territory” by drawing lines on the ground wit..

Stories of Korea’s National Treasures : Thirteen-story Stone Pagoda at the Site of Jeonghyesa Temple

Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 40Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of KoreaThirteen-story Stone Pagoda at the Site of Jeonghyesa Temple(Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)🏯 1. A Tower that Touches the SkyStanding in quiet solitude on the site of Jeonghyesa Temple in Gyeongju, the Thirteen-story Stone Pagoda rises elegantly against the horizon — a slender, timeless silhouette reachin..

Korean Proverb : The Upper Water Must Be Clear for the Lower to Be Clean

Korean Proverb Series 59The Upper Water Must Be Clear for the Lower to Be Clean“윗물이 맑아야 아랫물이 맑다”(Witmul-i malgaya aret-mul-i malgda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “윗물이 맑아야 아랫물이 맑다” literally means“The water below can only be clean if the water above is clear.”It teaches that leaders, parents, or elders set the examplefor those who follow them.If those in higher positions act..

Korean Folktale : The Beaten Son and the Beloved Brother

🌧️ Korean Folktale Series 60“The Beaten Son and the Beloved Brother”(매 맞는 아들, 사랑받는 동생 · Mae Matneun Adeul, Sarangbatneun Dongsaeng)🕰️ 1. The StoryOnce upon a time, in a small farming village, there lived an old couple with two sons. The elder was quiet and dutiful, always helping his parents with the fields, while the younger was charming and clever with words.The parents loved their younger s..

Korean Folktale : The Spirit of Mount Geumgang

⛰️ Korean Folktale Series 59 “The Spirit of Mount Geumgang”(금강산 바위신 이야기 · Geumgangsan Bawisin Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in the misty valleys of Mount Geumgang, there stood a giant boulder known to the villagers as the Stone God, or Bawisin. Travelers and monks alike would bow to it, for they believed a guardian spirit dwelled within — a spirit that protected the mountain and all who crosse..

Korean Traditional Game : Saja Chum Nori

🦁 Korean Traditional Game Series 39Saja Chum Nori(사자춤놀이 · Korean Lion Dance Play)🕰️ 1. IntroductionSaja Chum Nori (사자춤놀이), or the Korean Lion Dance, is a traditional performance blending play, ritual, and dance.It was often performed during village festivals, New Year celebrations, or harvest events to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune to the community.The lion, or saja, symbolize..

Stories of Korea’s National Treasures : Five-story Stone Pagoda of Nawon-ri, Gyeongju

Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 39Photo Credit : Cultural Heritage Administration of KoreaFive-story Stone Pagoda of Nawon-ri, Gyeongju(Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)🏯 1. A Tower of Poised HarmonyIn the peaceful countryside of Nawon-ri, Gyeongju, stands a majestic relic of the Unified Silla period (8th century) — the Five-story Stone Pagoda, a symbol of balance, grace, and enduring devotion...

Korean Proverb : Too Much Patience Can Make You Sick

Korean Proverb Series 58Too Much Patience Can Make You Sick“참다 참다 병 된다”(Chamda chamda byeong doenda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “참다 참다 병 된다” literally means“Enduring too much can make you ill.”It teaches that excessive patience or emotional suppressioncan eventually harm your body and mind.While patience is a virtue, bottling up emotions for too longmay lead to anger, res..

Korean Proverb : Stretch Your Legs According to Your Bed

Korean Proverb Series 57Stretch Your Legs According to Your Bed“누울 자리를 보고 다리를 뻗어라”(Nuul jarireul bogo darireul ppeodeora)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “누울 자리를 보고 다리를 뻗어라” literally means“Stretch your legs after seeing where you will lie.”It teaches the wisdom of acting within one’s means and circumstances.In other words — before taking action, understand your situation.Thos..