1. Introduction to the text
The Tale of Shim Chung is one of the most famous and beloved folk tales in Korean culture. It tells the story of a young girl named Shim Chung who demonstrates exceptional filial piety, or devotion to her parents, in the face of adversity. This tale has been passed down for generations, serving as a moral lesson and reflecting the deep-rooted Confucian values of Korean society, particularly the emphasis on respecting and caring for one’s elders.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 효녀 | hyo-nya | filial daughter |
| 극락 | geuk-rak | paradise |
| 빚 | bit | debt |
| 팔다 | pal-da | to sell |
| 인당수 | in-dang-su | a type of blind man’s buff game |
| 놀이판 | nol-i-pan | playground |
| 허수아비 | heo-su-a-bi | scarecrow |
| 구출하다 | gu-chul-ha-da | to rescue |
| 충직하다 | chung-jik-ha-da | to be loyal and faithful |
| 효행 | hyo-haeng | filial piety |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
옛날 가난한 부모를 지극정성으로 모시던 효녀 심청이가 있었습니다.
Once upon a time, there was a filial daughter named Shim Chung who served her poor parents with utmost devotion.
어느 날 아버지가 극락에 가고 싶다고 하셨습니다.
One day, her father expressed his wish to go to paradise.
하지만 가난한 살림에 빚까지 있었기에 그 소원을 이루기 어려웠습니다.
However, due to their poverty and debts, fulfilling this wish seemed impossible.
심청이는 자신을 팔아 아버지의 소원을 들어주기로 결심했습니다.
Shim Chung decided to sell herself to fulfill her father’s wish.
인당수 놀이판에서 허수아비 노릇을 하며 심청이는 팔렸습니다.
She was sold to serve as a human scarecrow in a playground for the blind man’s buff game.
어느 날 박 대신이 심청이를 구출하려 했지만, 그녀는 충직하게 거절했습니다.
One day, a high official named Park tried to rescue her, but she refused loyally.
결국 심청이의 효행으로 아버지는 극락에 갈 수 있었습니다.
Eventually, due to Shim Chung’s filial piety, her father was able to go to paradise.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What was the main reason behind Shim Chung’s decision to sell herself?
2. In what kind of activity was Shim Chung forced to participate after being sold?
3. Who tried to rescue Shim Chung, and how did she respond?
4. What was the ultimate outcome of Shim Chung’s filial actions?
5. What cultural value does this tale represent and emphasize?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Tale of Shim Chung is a reflection of the Confucian values that have deeply influenced Korean society for centuries. Filial piety, or the virtue of respecting and caring for one’s parents and elders, is a central theme in this tale and a highly esteemed value in traditional Korean culture.