1. Introduction to the text
The Tale of Shim Chung is a classic Korean folktale that has been passed down for generations. It is a poignant story that emphasizes the importance of filial piety, a core value in Korean culture. The tale follows the journey of a young girl named Shim Chung, who sacrifices everything to save her blind father’s sight. Set during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 CE), this folktale highlights the deep respect and devotion expected from children towards their parents in traditional Korean society.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 효녀 | hyo-nya | filial daughter |
| 효자 | hyo-ja | filial son |
| 소원 | so-won | wish |
| 고난 | go-nan | hardship |
| 인당수 | in-dang-su | a mythical creature |
| 희생 | hui-sing | sacrifice |
| 충성 | chung-sung | loyalty |
| 전통 | jeon-tong | tradition |
| 도덕 | do-deok | morality |
| 유교 | yu-gyo | Confucianism |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
옛날 고려시대에, 한 가난한 가정에서 시각 장애인인 아버지와 효녀 심청이가 살고 있었습니다.
In olden times, during the Goryeo Dynasty, a poor family with a blind father and his filial daughter, Shim Chung, lived in hardship.
어느 날, 심청이는 아버지의 눈을 뜨게 해달라는 소원을 인당수에게 빌었습니다.
One day, Shim Chung made a wish to a mythical creature, asking for her father’s sight to be restored.
그러나 인당수는 심청이 자신을 바다에 넣어야 한다고 말했습니다.
However, the creature told her that she must sacrifice herself by throwing herself into the sea.
심청이는 아버지를 위해 기꺼이 자신의 목숨을 바치기로 결심했습니다.
Shim Chung, determined to restore her father’s sight, willingly decided to sacrifice her life for her father.
바다에 빠지기 전, 심청이는 아버지께 효녀로서의 마지막 인사를 드렸습니다.
Before plunging into the sea, Shim Chung bid her final farewell to her father as a filial daughter.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What is the main theme of the Tale of Shim Chung?
2. During which dynasty is the story set?
3. What did the mythical creature ask Shim Chung to do in exchange for restoring her father’s sight?
4. How did Shim Chung demonstrate her filial piety towards her father?
5. What cultural value does this folktale emphasize?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Tale of Shim Chung is a quintessential example of a Korean folktale that highlights the Confucian virtue of filial piety, or “hyo” in Korean. Filial piety, which emphasizes respect and obedience towards one’s parents and ancestors, has been a fundamental value in Korean society for centuries, heavily influenced by Confucian teachings.