1. Introduction to the text
This tale is an adaptation of a lesser-known Korean folk story that explores the themes of gratitude, kindness, and the rewards of good deeds. It has been infused with additional Korean cultural elements, such as traditional beliefs, customs, and settings.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean word | Romanization | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 가난한 | gananhan | poor |
| 농부 | nongbu | farmer |
| 뱀 | baem | snake, serpent |
| 감사 | gamsah | gratitude |
| 선물 | seonmul | gift |
| 부자 | buja | rich person |
| 한옥 | hanok | traditional Korean house |
| 금언 | geumeon | words of wisdom |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
[Korean]
옛날 옛적에, 가난한 농부 한 사람이 있었습니다. 그는 작은 한옥에서 살면서 밭을 가꾸며 살아갔습니다. 어느 날, 그는 밭에서 일하던 중 뱀 한 마리를 발견했습니다. 뱀은 상처를 입고 있었고, 농부는 동정심이 일어 뱀을 도와주기로 했습니다. 그는 뱀의 상처를 치료해주고 물과 먹이를 제공했습니다.
며칠 후, 뱀은 완전히 회복되었고 농부에게 깊은 감사를 표했습니다. “당신의 친절에 감사드립니다. 제가 당신에게 선물을 드리겠습니다.” 뱀이 말했습니다. 그리고 그 자리에서 황금 구슬 세 개를 토해냈습니다. “이 구슬들은 당신의 삶을 풍요롭게 해줄 것입니다. 하지만 과도한 탐욕은 재앙을 가져올 수 있으니 조심하십시오.”
농부는 뱀의 말에 감사했지만, 금언을 잊고 구슬들을 판매해 큰 부자가 되었습니다. 하지만 부와 명예만을 쫓다 보니 진정한 행복을 잃어버렸습니다. 후회 속에서 그는 뱀의 말을 떠올렸고, 자신의 탐욕을 반성하게 되었습니다. 그 이후로 그는 겸손과 만족을 배웠고, 진정한 행복을 찾을 수 있었습니다.
[English]
Once upon a time, there lived a poor farmer who resided in a small traditional Korean house called a hanok. He spent his days tending to his field, barely making ends meet. One day, while working in the field, he came across an injured serpent. Filled with compassion, the farmer decided to help the wounded creature. He tended to its wounds, providing water and food until it regained its strength.
After a few days, the serpent had fully recovered and expressed its deep gratitude to the farmer. “Thank you for your kindness. As a token of my appreciation, I shall bestow upon you a gift.” The serpent then coughed up three golden pearls. “These pearls will bring prosperity into your life. However, beware of greed, for excessive desire can lead to ruin,” it warned.
The farmer was grateful for the serpent’s words and the gift, but soon forgot the wise counsel. He sold the pearls and became immensely wealthy. However, in his pursuit of riches and status, he lost sight of true happiness. Regret eventually set in, and he recalled the serpent’s warning about the dangers of greed. Reflecting on his mistakes, the farmer learned the virtues of humility and contentment, finally finding genuine happiness.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What was the farmer’s initial situation in life?
2. How did the farmer help the serpent?
3. What gift did the serpent give the farmer, and what warning accompanied it?
4. What happened to the farmer after he became wealthy?
5. What lesson did the farmer ultimately learn?
5. Cultural notes related to the text and its adaptation
This tale incorporates several Korean cultural elements:
– Hanok: Traditional Korean houses made of wood and other natural materials, featuring unique architectural styles and designs.
– Serpent/Snake: In Korean folklore, serpents are often associated with wisdom, longevity, and the ability to grant wishes or bestow gifts.
– Words of Wisdom: The serpent’s warning about the dangers of greed reflects the Korean cultural emphasis on virtues like humility, moderation, and contentment.
– Adaptation: While the core story may have origins in other cultures, it has been adapted to include Korean settings, beliefs, and values, making it more relatable and culturally relevant for Korean language learners.
By blending these cultural elements with the universal themes of kindness, gratitude, and the pursuit of happiness, this adapted folk tale serves as an engaging language learning material that provides insights into Korean culture and values.