Article by Gil "hannaone"
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Hungbu and Nolbu, a Korean folktale

Nestled in a charming Korean village among the rolling hills lived two siblings, Hungbu and Nolbu. Although Hungbu was known for his kindness rather than his farming successes, Nolbu's reputation was based on his wealth, selfishness, and greed instead of his empathy.

Despite being siblings, it was clear that they had contrasting qualities and only a few traits in common. While Hungbu worked tirelessly, his crops never flourished. However, despite not possessing great riches, he was known for his generosity and greatly respected by both his loved ones and the people around him.

The Tale

Nolbu, Hungbu's brother, became a wealthy merchant who attained great success through deceit and covetousness. He had taken their father's entire wealth, leaving his kind sibling Hungbu destitute.

Upon asking his brother, Hungbu, for assistance in providing for his family, Nolbu, who was known for his selfish ways, hurled accusations of laziness and refused to lend a hand.


Because of Hungbu's kind heart and selflessness, he had gained the admiration and affection of the people in his village. He never hesitated to give what he could to his fellow villagers, despite his own financial struggles, and was always there for those who required assistance.

On the other hand, Nolbu's insatiable greed and miserly behavior earned him resentment and lack of respect from the villagers.

While tending to his tasks in the fields, Hungbu spotted a snake attacking a swallow. Without hesitation, he drove away the intruder. Upon further examination, he discovered that the bird had sustained a leg injury, rendering it unable to fly away from danger. Hungbu tended to the swallow's wound and provided care until it recovered and took flight once again.

The next year, the swallow returned to Hungbu's fields. It delivered a gourd containing seeds and advised him to sow them in his garden.

Upon following the swallow's guidance, Hungbu witnessed a swift growth of a gourd tree that yielded numerous fruits. Brimming with enthusiasm, he eagerly sliced into one of the gourds and uncovered a bountiful portion of rice, while the remaining gourds were overflowing with an assortment of gold, silver, and precious stones. These unexpected treasures from the gourds surpassed even Hungbu's wildest dreams.

Hungbu's generous and empathetic nature granted him a life of ease and comfort. He never fretted about financial gain or achievement, yet he remained mindful of the impoverished and less fortunate members of his community. Through his fortune, he selflessly extended aid to others.

Upon hearing the tale of the magical gourds, Nolbu's avarice consumed him. "Such wealth should be mine and mine alone!" declared Nolbu. Determined to acquire a swallow, he came across one and deliberately harmed its leg. After tending to the bird's injury, he set it free.

In the springtime, the swallow came back bearing a seed. Nolbu eagerly planted it and anticipated the growth of gourds. Upon their arrival, he promptly opened them only to find elements of devastation within. This caused his trade to suffer greatly and left him in financial ruin.

Hungbu welcomed his brother, who had faced great loss, into his home with open arms. He instilled in Nolbu the value of kindness and generosity. In return, Nolbu taught Hungbu valuable lessons on managing wealth. Together, they achieved great success through their collaboration.

The Lesson

The Korean folktale "Hungbu and Nolbu" is renowned for its valuable life lessons, making it an important aspect of the story. Its significance has stood the test of time, being passed down through generations for more than just entertainment.

At its core, "Hungbu and Nolbu" is a story about kindness, compassion, and humility. It shows how these qualities can lead to a happy and prosperous life. The two brothers in the story, Hungbu and Nolbu, are starkly different from each other in their attitudes towards life.

The moral of this story highlights the importance of being content with what one has instead of constantly chasing after material possessions at any cost. It also emphasizes the value of helping others, as it was Hungbu's kindness towards the swallow that ultimately led to his prosperity.

Furthermore, the tale teaches us that greed and selfishness can lead to one's downfall, while humility and compassion can bring blessings in unexpected ways. These lessons are timeless and universal, making "Hungbu and Nolbu" a beloved folktale not just in Korea but around the world.

In conclusion, "Hungbu and Nolbu" is not just a simple fairy tale. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of virtues such as kindness, compassion, humility, and contentment in leading a fulfilling life.