Collection
Traditional Korean sayings with English renderings, original explanations, and dictionary references. These sayings describe life from different perspectives; not all are advice to follow literally.
Having no children is the fortunate lot.
One loach muddies the whole pond.
The troublesome age of seven.
The bottom has all been shown.
Living whichever way the wind blows.
Feeling full without eating rice.
Eat in ten places, but sleep in one.
The demanding child gets another spoonful of rice.
Burning a thatched house to catch a bedbug.
People leave a name; tigers leave a skin.
In a mountain without a lion, a rabbit acts as king.
A prescription after the death.
No place has fine mountains, fine water, and a perfect pavilion.
Chasing a wild rabbit and losing the tame one.
Looking for Mr. Kim in Seoul.
A cow catches a mouse while stepping backward.
Little to eat at a much-advertised feast.
A hollow puffed-rice sweet.
Blowing your nose without touching it.
Covering the sky with your palm.
A pine caterpillar must eat pine needles.
Setting sail with a favorable wind.
When the mullet jumps, the goby jumps too.
Stop quarrels and help bargains along.