Korean Folktales & World Folktales 87

Korean Folktale : The Dream of Young Wang Geon

👑 Korean Folktale Series 57 “The Dream of Young Wang Geon”(왕건의 어릴 적 꿈 이야기 · Wanggeon-ui Eoriljeok Kkum Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, during the late days of the Silla Kingdom, there was a small village near the clear waters of Songak Mountain. In that village lived a bright young boy named Wang Geon, the only son of a kind but humble merchant. From an early age, Wang Geon showed great wisdom ..

Korean Folktale : The Wrath of the Village Guardian Spirit

🐉 Korean Folktale Series 56“The Wrath of the Village Guardian Spirit”(성황신의 노여움 · Seonghwangsin-ui Noyeoum)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a small mountain village, there stood an old stone shrine at the entrance. Inside the shrine dwelled Seonghwangsin, the Guardian Spirit of the village, who protected the people from disease, fire, and misfortune.Each year, the villagers offered rice, fruits, and..

Korean Folktale : The Wise Mole Groom

🐹 Korean Folktale Series 55“The Wise Mole Groom”(지혜로운 두더지 신랑 · Jihyeroun Dudeoji Sinlang)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a peaceful farming village, there lived a kind old mole and his wife. They had one beloved daughter, Mori, whose fur shone like soft brown silk. When Mori came of age, her parents decided to find her the greatest husband in the world.One day, Father Mole looked up at the bright ..

Korean Folktale : The Four Seasons Goddess

🌸 Korean Folktale Series 54“The Four Seasons Goddess”(사계절 여신 이야기 · Sagyejeol Yeosin Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, before humans counted time by calendars or stars, the earth lay in eternal stillness. The sun shone without rest, rivers never froze, and flowers never faded. Life flourished—but the world grew weary. The gods gathered atop Baekdu Mountain, the highest peak, to seek balance for al..

Korean Folktale : The Journey to the Underworld for a Poor Mother

🌒 Korean Folktale Series 53“The Journey to the Underworld for a Poor Mother”(가난한 어머니를 위한 저승길 · Gananhan Eomeoni-reul Wihan Jeoseung-gil)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a small mountain village, there lived a poor widow and her only son, Dong-hyun. Though their home was no bigger than a straw hut, the boy’s heart overflowed with love for his mother. He worked every day cutting wood and gathering he..

Korean Folktale : The Origin of Jeju’s Stone Guardians – The Tale of Dolhareubang

🗿 Korean Folktale Series 52“The Origin of Jeju’s Stone Guardians – The Tale of Dolhareubang”(제주 돌하르방의 기원 · Jeju Dolhareubang-ui Giwon)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, before Jeju Island was known by its name, fierce winds and sea storms constantly struck the land. The people lived in fear—ships were swallowed by waves, crops were destroyed, and even homes vanished overnight.At the center of the island..

Korean Folktale : The Wooden Groom and the Spirit Bride

🌲 Korean Folktale Series 51“The Wooden Groom and the Spirit Bride”(나무신랑과 처녀 귀신 이야기 · Namu Sinlang-gwa Cheonyeo Gwishin Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a small mountain village shrouded in mist, there lived a kind young man named Dong-min, a skilled woodcarver who made toys for children and tools for farmers. Though poor, he lived with a pure heart, greeting even the trees he worked with:“For..

Korean Folktale : The Emperor Qin’s Quest for Immortality and the Korean Herb

🌿 Korean Folktale Series 50“The Emperor Qin’s Quest for Immortality and the Korean Herb”(진시황의 불로초와 한반도 · Jinshihwang-ui Bullochow-wa Hanbando)🕰️ 1. The StoryMore than two thousand years ago, the mighty Emperor Qin Shi Huang of China—who united the warring states and built the Great Wall—feared only one thing: death. Despite his vast empire, countless soldiers, and endless treasures, his heart ..

Korean Folktale : The Shrine Spirit and the Traveler’s Promise

🛤️ Korean Folktale Series 49“The Shrine Spirit and the Traveler’s Promise”(서낭당과 길손의 약속 · Seonangdang-gwa Gilsong-ui Yaksok)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, in a small village nestled between misty mountains, there stood an old Seonangdang—a roadside shrine built beneath a sacred tree. Travelers passing through would bow and leave a stone or a ribbon, praying for safe journeys. The villagers believed t..

Korean Folktale : The Crow and the Sun

☀️ Korean Folktale Series 48“The Crow and the Sun”(까마귀와 해 이야기 · Kkamagwi-wa Hae Iyagi)🕰️ 1. The StoryLong ago, when the world was still young, there was no day or night—only endless twilight. The sky was heavy with mist, and the earth lay cold and silent. Humans stumbled through the dim light, longing for warmth.High above the clouds lived the Sun Spirit, who hid her golden light within a cryst..