Korean Proverbs & World Proverbs 99

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 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..

Korean Proverb : A Needle Thief Becomes a Cow Thief

Korean Proverb Series 56A Needle Thief Becomes a Cow Thief“바늘 도둑이 소 도둑 된다”(Baneul dodugi so doduk doenda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “바늘 도둑이 소 도둑 된다” literally means“A thief who steals a needle will later steal a cow.”It warns that small wrongdoings, when ignored or excused,can grow into serious crimes or moral decay.A habit of dishonesty, even in trivial matters,eventual..

Korean Proverb : You Dont Notice Your Clothes Getting Wet in a Drizzle

Korean Proverb Series 55You Don’t Notice Your Clothes Getting Wet in a Drizzle“가랑비에 옷 젖는 줄 모른다”(Garangbi-e ot jeotneun jul moreunda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “가랑비에 옷 젖는 줄 모른다” literally means“You don’t realize your clothes are getting wet in a drizzle.”It describes how small things — good or bad — accumulate slowly,often without our awareness, until the result becomes c..

Korean Proverb : Give a Peck and Receive a Bushel

Korean Proverb Series 54Give a Peck and Receive a Bushel“되로 주고 말로 받는다”(Doero jugo mallo batneunda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “되로 주고 말로 받는다” literally means“Give by the peck and receive by the bushel.”It means that what you do — whether good or bad —returns to you in greater measure.A small deed, word, or intention can multiply in effect,bringing back consequences far bey..

Korean Proverb : The Crayfish Sides with the Crab

Korean Proverb Series 53The Crayfish Sides with the Crab“가재는 게 편이다”(Gajaneun ge pyeonida)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “가재는 게 편이다” literally means“The crayfish sides with the crab.”It humorously describes how people tend to side with those who are similar to them —in background, interest, or perspective — regardless of what’s right or wrong.The proverb reflects a timeless t..

Korean Proverb : He Who Farts Gets Angry First

Korean Proverb Series 52He Who Farts Gets Angry First“방귀 뀐 놈이 성낸다”(Bang-gwi kkin nom-i seongnaenda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “방귀 뀐 놈이 성낸다” literally means“The one who farted gets angry first.”It humorously describes someone who makes a mistakebut becomes defensive or angry to cover it up.By acting offended, they try to shift suspicion away from themselves.At its heart, ..

Korean Proverb : Pouring Water into a Bottomless Jar

Korean Proverb Series 51Pouring Water into a Bottomless Jar“밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기”(Mit ppajin dok-e mul butgi)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기” literally means“Pouring water into a jar with no bottom.”It describes a situation where no matter how much effort you invest,nothing is achieved — because the foundation itself is flawed or missing.This saying warns against wastin..

Korean Proverb : Even If You Know the Road Ask the Way

Korean Proverb Series 50Even If You Know the Road, Ask the Way“아는 길도 물어 가라”(Aneun gil-do mureo gara)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “아는 길도 물어 가라” literally means“Even if you know the road, ask the way.”It teaches that confidence should never replace caution.No matter how experienced or knowledgeable we are,there is wisdom in seeking advice and confirming what we think we know..