The Tale of Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo is a classic Korean legend about a celestial weaver and a humble cowherd whose deep love is tested by duty and separation. Set in the heavens and divided by the Silver River, the story explains the origin of the once a year reunion on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It is a beloved folktale that teaches lessons about love, responsibility, patience, and enduring devotion.
Long ago in the heavens, Jiknyeo, the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, lived among the clouds as a gifted weaver. With patient hands and a pure heart, she wove brilliant ribbons of five colored clouds that painted the sky with beauty and order. Across the vast Silver River lived Gyeonwoo, a humble and hardworking cowherd, whose daily task was to care for the celestial cattle that sustained the heavenly realm. Both were known for their diligence, kindness, and quiet devotion to their duties.
The Tale of the Magical Lotus Lantern is a traditional Korean folktale that centers on a poor orphan boy whose sincere heart leads to a powerful miracle. Set during the Buddha’s Birthday Festival, the story teaches that true faith and kindness matter more than wealth or appearance, and that genuine sincerity can shine brighter than any lavish offering.
Long ago, in a small village nestled at the foot of a mountain, there lived a boy named Gwang-deok. He lost his parents at a very young age and grew up in extreme poverty, surviving by doing odd jobs and begging for food. Though his life was filled with hardship, Gwang-deok possessed a pure heart and an unwavering kindness, always ready to help others even when he himself had nothing.
The Tale of Dokkaebi is a traditional Korean folktale that centers on magical goblin spirits known as Dokkaebi and the contrasting fates of two brothers. Set in a rural mountain village, the story explores how kindness, wisdom, and greed shape human destiny. Through humor and supernatural elements, the tale delivers a clear moral lesson about honesty, intention, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Long ago, there were two brothers who lived in a poor rural village. The older brother was greedy, cruel, and always looking for an easy gain, while the younger brother was kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family, though he owned very little. Their different choices in life would soon lead them down very different paths.
The Tale of Jibong and the Flying Crane is a classic Korean folktale about a kind young man named Jibong who cares for a wounded crane. The story shows the importance of compassion, patience, and respect for nature. It teaches that good deeds are rewarded and selfishness can lead to misfortune.
Long ago, in a small village at the foot of a snowy mountain, there lived a young man named Jibong. Despite the hardships of life, working every day in the forest to chop firewood and care for his elderly mother, he was known for his kindness and gentle heart, never harming any living creature.
The Tale of Cheongjeong-gyeong is a classic Korean folktale about a wise and virtuous woman who faces false accusations and adversity. It highlights her intelligence, patience, and moral courage. The story is cherished for teaching lessons about justice, integrity, and the power of wisdom in overcoming challenges.
Long ago, in a quiet village in Korea, there lived a young woman named Cheongjeong-gyeong, the daughter of a poor but highly principled scholarly family. Her beauty was matched by her kindness and wisdom, and her name, meaning "Pure and Serene," perfectly reflected her character. When she married into a wealthy, influential household, she fulfilled all her duties with grace, showing unwavering respect to her in-laws and deep devotion to her husband. Her perfection, however, sparked envy among the concubines and servants, who feared her presence threatened their status within the household.
The Tale of Bang Gwija is a classic Korean legend about a skilled craftsman who transformed a harsh, barren valley into a thriving village. The story highlights his intelligence, creativity, and leadership, showing how hard work and community effort can overcome challenges. It is an important part of Korea’s cultural heritage, teaching lessons about resourcefulness, cooperation, and the value of human ingenuity.
Long ago, in a remote valley surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and dense forests, the land was vast but harsh. The soil was poor, and wild animals roamed freely, making life dangerous and uncertain. Villagers who lived scattered at the foot of the mountains struggled constantly with hunger and soil erosion. The hardships of daily life weighed heavily on the people, who longed for fertile land where they could thrive.
The Tale of Bihyeong is a famous Korean folktale from the Silla period. It tells the story of a supernatural boy with extraordinary powers who uses them to protect people and maintain order. The story teaches lessons about courage, responsibility, and doing what is right.
Long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Silla, a supernatural being named Bihyeong was born from a mystical union between a mortal woman and the spirit of a late king. The 25th king of Silla, Jinji, had fallen deeply in love with a beautiful woman named Dohwa-nyeo, but she refused him because she was already married. Two years after King Jinji’s death, Dohwa-nyeo’s husband also passed away. It was then that the spirit of King Jinji appeared to her, reminding her of the promise they once shared. From this extraordinary meeting, Bihyeong came into the world, a child unlike any other.
The Woodcutter and the Heavenly Maiden is a famous Korean folktale. It tells the story of a kind-hearted woodcutter who meets a celestial maiden and faces trials of love, devotion, and family. The tale highlights important values like kindness, honesty, and loyalty, and it has been cherished in Korean culture for generations.
Long ago, there was a poor but kind-hearted woodcutter who lived deep in the forest with his elderly mother. One day, while working, he saw a deer running frantically, chased by hunters. The woodcutter quickly hid the deer in a pile of dry wood, saving its life.
The Sun and the Moon is a classic Korean folktale about two siblings and a cunning tiger. It is part of Korea’s traditional storytelling and is loved for its lessons about bravery, cleverness, and justice. The story explains natural phenomena and teaches moral values in a way that is easy to understand.
Long ago, two siblings named Haesik and Dalsik lived with their poor mother in a small hut high in the mountains. One day, their mother went to work at a village feast and brought back a basket of rice cakes for her children. On her way home, she encountered a giant tiger. The tiger demanded, "Give me a piece of cake, and I will not eat you." She offered cake after cake across the mountain passes, but when the basket was empty, the greedy tiger attacked and devoured her. Then, in a cunning disguise, it dressed in her clothes and covered its face, intending to trick the children and eat them as well.
The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon is a famous Korean folktale. It tells a funny story about a tiger that gets scared by a baby and a dried persimmon. The tale teaches lessons about courage, cleverness, and humility. It is a beloved story that shows how even the strongest can be surprised.
Once upon a time, on a high mountain, a large and mighty tiger roamed freely. Proud and fearless, it considered itself the ruler of the forest, unchallenged by anything in the world. One freezing winter night, its stomach growling with hunger, the tiger decided to sneak into a nearby village in search of food. Following the scent of livestock, it crept toward a small house, hoping for an easy meal.
The Tale of Sim Cheong is a famous Korean legend about a devoted daughter who sacrifices herself to restore her blind father’s sight. The story highlights themes of filial piety, selflessness, and bravery. It remains one of the most beloved and enduring tales in Korean culture, teaching important moral lessons about love, devotion, and virtue.
Long ago in Korea, there lived a poor man named Sim Hak-gyu, also known as Sim Bong-sa. He was blind and illiterate, struggling to care for himself and his family. His wife passed away shortly after giving birth to their only daughter, Sim Cheong. Left alone, Sim Bong-sa went door to door in the village, begging for milk to feed his child. Despite growing up in extreme poverty, Sim Cheong became remarkably beautiful and devoted, showing exceptional filial piety from a young age. By the age of fifteen, she had taken on the responsibilities of the household, working tirelessly to support her blind father.
The Tale of Chunhyang is a famous Korean story about love, loyalty, and justice. It tells of Chunhyang, the beautiful and virtuous daughter of a former courtesan, and Yi Mong-ryong, the son of a government official. Despite social barriers, they fall in love, marry in secret, and remain devoted to each other. The story highlights themes of fidelity, courage, and the triumph of justice over corruption.
Long ago, in the Namwon region of Jeolla Province, Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the local magistrate, was a handsome and talented scholar. During the Dano Festival, he saw Seong Chunhyang playing on a swing and was immediately captivated by her beauty and intelligence. Chunhyang was the daughter of Wolmae, a retired courtesan. Despite her low social status, she was renowned across the region for her charm, wisdom, and literary skills. The two quickly fell in love and secretly married, pledging lifelong fidelity to one another.
The story of Janghwa and Hongryeon is a famous Korean folktale about two sisters who suffered under their cruel stepmother. It tells of jealousy, deceit, and the tragic events that befell the sisters. The tale highlights themes of justice, family, and the triumph of truth over evil. It is an important story in Korean culture and history.
In the region of Cheolgu, there lived a respected official named Bae Mu-ryong, who had a kind and gentle wife and two beautiful daughters, Janghwa, the elder, and Hongryeon, the younger. Their names symbolized the purest and most exquisite flowers. After his wife passed away, Bae remarried a woman surnamed Heo, hoping to maintain a caretaker for his household. However, Lady Heo was cruel and deeply jealous. After giving birth to three sons, she viewed Janghwa and Hongryeon as threats, not only because of their beauty but also because they were dearly loved by their father and were set to inherit the family’s wealth.
The story of Dangun Wanggeom is a famous Korean legend about the founding of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon. It tells how Dangun, the son of Hwanung, a heavenly prince, and Ungnyeo, a woman transformed from a bear, established the kingdom and became its first ruler. The tale teaches important lessons about perseverance, harmony with nature, and caring for others. It is a central story in Korean culture and history.
Long ago, Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven, looked down upon the world and saw humans struggling to live. His son, Hwanung, desired to descend to Earth to help humanity and bring wisdom to their lives. Understanding his son’s wish, Hwanin allowed Hwanung to come down to Mount Taebaek with 3,000 followers. Hwanung also brought three guardian deities: the God of Wind, the God of Rain, and the God of Clouds. There, he established a sacred city called Sinsi, the City of God, and taught humans over 360 skills and disciplines, including agriculture, medicine, law, ethics, and various arts.
In ancient Korea, there lived two brothers who could not have been more different. The older brother, Nolbu, was rich, selfish, and harsh, while the younger brother, Heungbu, was poor but gentle and kindhearted. After their father’s death, Nolbu inherited everything and forced his younger brother out, leaving Heungbu and his family in poverty. Although Heungbu often had nothing to eat, he never let bitterness change his heart. He chose kindness over anger, even toward the brother who wronged him.
Long ago, in the remote northern mountains of Korea, a terrifying fire dragon made its home. Whenever it emerged from its lair, its four legs blazed with flames, and its presence alone was enough to burn homes to ash and scorch the fields dry. The villagers lived in constant fear, powerless and desperate. Many brave young men had tried to slay the dragon, but none ever returned. In a small village, a young man named Blake could no longer stand by. Driven by courage and a deep sense of duty, he set off to destroy the creature and bring peace to his people.
