Korean Folk Tales
Read our collection of 85 Korean folk tales — stories from the rich narrative tradition of the Korean Peninsula. Korean folklore blends Confucian values, Buddhist wisdom, and shamanistic beliefs into tales of extraordinary imagination and moral depth.
Our collection includes tales of filial sons and daughters, clever magistrates, grateful animals, vengeful ghosts, and the ever-present theme of karmic justice. Korean folk tales are known for their emphasis on loyalty, perseverance, and the triumph of virtue over corruption — values deeply embedded in Korean culture.
Each story is retold in clear, engaging English with beautiful ACK-style illustrations, making this collection perfect for exploring Korean culture, Asian folklore, and East Asian storytelling traditions.
Korean Folk Tales
All Ages
The Mirror That Made Trouble
The Mirror That Made Trouble: The city of Seoul lies near the Han river, which flows all the way across Korea from the high mountains to the level sea. The
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Old Man Who Became A Fish
The Old Man Who Became A Fish: Some years ago a noted official became the magistrate of Ko-song County. On a certain day a guest called on him to pay his
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Man Who Became A Pig
The Man Who Became A Pig: [Kim Yu was the son of a country magistrate who graduated with literary honours in 1596. In 1623 he was one of the faithful courtiers
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Man Who Lost His Legs
The Man Who Lost His Legs: There was a merchant in Chong-ju who used to go to Quelpart to buy seaweed. One time when he drew upon the shore he saw a man
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Man On The Road
During the 1636 Manchu invasion, a quick-witted man uses observation and calm judgment to survive.
Korean Folk Tales
All Ages
The Magic Peach
The Magic Peach: Out on the ocean, so far away that no ship ever sailed there, is an island on which stood the seven storied palace of the royal lady, Su Wang
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Magic Invasion Of Seoul
The Magic Invasion Of Seoul: A gentleman of Seoul was one day crossing the Han River in a boat. In the crossing, he nodded for a moment, fell asleep and
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Literary Man Of Imsil
The Literary Man Of Imsil: [The calling of spirits is one of the powers supposed to be possessed by disciples of the Old Philosopher (Taoists), who reach a
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The King Of Yom-Na (Hell)
The King Of Yom-Na (Hell): [Pak Chom was one of the Royal Censors, and died in the Japanese War of 1592.] In Yon-nan County, Whang-hai Province, there was a
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The King Of The Flowers
The King Of The Flowers: Korea is the land of beautiful scenery and lovely flowers. Snow white and ruby red are their chief colors. In the spring time when the
Korean Folk Tales
All Ages
The King Of The Sparrows
The King Of The Sparrows: The Korean children are awakened every morning by the twittering of the sparrows. These little birds build their nests among the
Korean Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Ill-Fated Priest
The Ill-Fated Priest: In Korea, during ancient times when mist covered the mountains and people lived close to nature, there stood a Buddhist monastery high on