Korean Proverbs & World Proverbs 99

Korean Proverb : Even When Crossing a Stone Bridge Tap It First

Korean Proverb Series 49Even When Crossing a Stone Bridge, Tap It First“돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라”(Doldarido dudeul-gyeo bogo geonneora)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라” literally means“Even when crossing a stone bridge, tap it first.”It teaches that no matter how safe or certain something appears,one should always proceed carefully and verify before acting.The saying v..

Korean Proverb : You Have to Measure to Know Which Is Longer

Korean Proverb Series 48You Have to Measure to Know Which Is Longer“길고 짧은 건 대봐야 안다”(Gilgo jjalbeun geon daebwaya anda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “길고 짧은 건 대봐야 안다” literally means“You can’t know what’s long or short until you measure it.”It teaches that one should not judge too quickly —true ability, strength, or value can only be revealed through fair comparison and time...

Korean Proverb : The One with Nine Mocks the One with One

Korean Proverb Series 47The One with Nine Mocks the One with One“아홉 가진 놈이 하나 가진 놈을 놀린다”(Ahop gajin nom-i hana gajin nom-eul nollinda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “아홉 가진 놈이 하나 가진 놈을 놀린다” literally means“A man with nine things mocks the one with one.”It reflects a sharp truth about human nature —those who have a little more often look down on those who have less,forgetting h..

Korean Proverb : Hiding a Ducks Foot After Eating the Chicken

Korean Proverb Series 46Hiding a Duck’s Foot After Eating the Chicken“닭 잡아먹고 오리발 내민다”(Dak jabameokgo oribal naeminda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “닭 잡아먹고 오리발 내민다” literally means“After eating the chicken, one shows a duck’s foot.”It describes someone who commits a wrongdoing but pretends to be innocent, offering an unconvincing excuse instead.The image is comical — as if s..

Korean Proverb : Measuring the Height of Acorns

Korean Proverb Series 45Measuring the Height of Acorns“도토리 키 재기”(Dotori ki jaegi)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “도토리 키 재기” literally means“Measuring the height of acorns.”It describes a situation where differences are so smallthat comparing them is meaningless.Just as all acorns are nearly the same size, some comparisons in life bring no real insight — only pride or frustrat..

Korean Proverb : A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant

Korean Proverb Series 44A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant“꿩 대신 닭”(Kkwong daesin dak)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “꿩 대신 닭” literally means“A chicken instead of a pheasant.”It teaches the wisdom of accepting alternatives when the ideal is out of reach.Rather than clinging to what’s lost, it’s better to make the best of what’s available.The proverb reflects Korean practicality ..

Korean Proverb : Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill

Korean Proverb Series 43Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?“참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴”(Chamsaega bangatgan-eul geunyang jinarya)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴” literally means“Can a sparrow just pass by a mill?”It humorously describes how people can’t resist temptation —especially when something they love or desire is right in front of them.Just as a sparrow can’t help..

Korean Proverb : Even a Flea Has a Face

Korean Proverb Series 42Even a Flea Has a Face“벼룩도 낯짝이 있다”(Byeorukdo natjjagi itda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “벼룩도 낯짝이 있다” literally means“Even a flea has a face.”It teaches that no matter how small, weak, or insignificant someone may seem, everyone has pride, dignity, and feelings.Mocking or belittling others is shameful, because respect is not about size or status — it..

Korean Proverb : Old Habits Die Hard

Korean Proverb Series 41Old Habits Die Hard“제 버릇 개 못 준다”(Je beoreut gae mot junda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “제 버릇 개 못 준다” literally means“A dog cannot give up its own habit.”It describes how difficult it is for people to change their long-held habits or nature.No matter how much one tries to appear different, deep-rooted behavior often returns over time.The proverb carr..

Korean Proverb : The Frog Forgets When It Was a Tadpole

Korean Proverb Series 40The Frog Forgets When It Was a Tadpole“개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다”(Gaeguri olchaengi jeok saenggak mot handa)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다” literally means“A frog forgets the time when it was a tadpole.”It describes someone who, after achieving success or comfort,forgets their humble beginnings or the hardships they once faced.The saying is..