1. Introduction to the text
The Story of the Rabbit and the Whale is a popular Korean folk tale that has been passed down for generations. This enchanting story not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about kindness, gratitude, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Set against the backdrop of Korea’s rich natural landscapes, the tale weaves together elements of folklore, mythology, and moral teachings, offering a glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 토끼 | tokki | rabbit |
| 고래 | gorae | whale |
| 바다 | bada | sea |
| 은혜 | eunhye | kindness, favor |
| 감사 | gamsah | gratitude |
| 구출 | guchwul | rescue |
| 전설 | jeonseol | legend |
| 교훈 | gyohun | moral lesson |
| 전통 | jeontong | tradition |
| 문화 | munhwa | culture |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
옛날 옛적에 한 토끼가 바닷가에서 살고 있었습니다.
Once upon a time, there lived a rabbit by the sea.
어느 날, 토끼는 바닷가에서 고래가 물 밖으로 나와 있는 것을 발견했습니다.
One day, the rabbit discovered a whale stranded on the shore.
고래는 물 밖에서 숨을 쉴 수 없어서 죽어가고 있었습니다.
The whale was struggling to breathe and was dying outside of the water.
토끼는 고래를 도와주기로 했습니다.
The rabbit decided to help the whale.
토끼는 주변에 있는 모든 동물들에게 도움을 요청했습니다.
The rabbit asked for help from all the animals nearby.
마침내 모든 동물들이 힘을 합쳐 고래를 바다로 밀어 넣었습니다.
Finally, with the combined efforts of all the animals, they pushed the whale back into the sea.