Korean Wisdom

30 Beautiful Korean Proverbs

Korean proverbs and idioms with English translations.

Life & Wisdom

4개 항목

Even monkeys fall from trees

원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다

Even experts make mistakes

Similar to "Nobody's perfect." Used to console someone who made an unexpected error.

A rolling stone gathers no moss

구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않는다

Staying active prevents stagnation

In Korean culture, this is positive — keep moving, keep growing. Opposite nuance from the English version.

After hardship comes sweetness

고진감래 (苦盡甘來)

When bitterness ends, sweetness arrives

One of the most-used Korean idioms. Perfect for encouraging someone going through tough times.

Words become seeds

말이 씨가 된다

What you say may come true

Be careful what you say. In Korean culture, words carry real power and can shape reality.

Relationships

3개 항목

Heart to heart

이심전심 (以心傳心)

Understanding without words

When two people are so close they understand each other without speaking. From Buddhist philosophy.

Blood is thicker than water

피는 물보다 진하다

Family bonds are the strongest

Same proverb exists in Korean. Family is paramount in Korean culture.

A match made in heaven

천생연분 (天生緣分)

A destined bond from birth

The ultimate Korean compliment for couples. Often said at weddings.