Korean Proverbs: 8 Practical Words of Wisdom

We'll look at a few common Korean proverbs and their meanings in this post. These Korean expressions will teach you practical life lessons in addition to providing you with an insight into Korean language and culture.

So let's get started and explore the intriguing realm of Korean proverbs together!

“Sayings” in Korean

When referring to a well-known or insightful saying, you can say "sayings" in Korean by pronouncing it as 명언 (myeongeon). The word "wisdom" can also be used with this.
Alternatively, you can use the term 속담 (sokdam) if it's a well-known statement.

1. 말보다는 실천을 하라 (malbodaneun silcheoneul hara) 

Meaning: Actions speak louder than words

Literal Meaning: Don’t just speak; put it into action

When to use it: You can encourage someone to do a task by using this Korean expression in any circumstance. For instance, a mother could use this to encourage her school-age child to complete their homework rather than putting it off until later.

2. 늦더라도 안 하느니보다 낫다 (neutdeorado an haneuniboda natda)

Meaning: Better late than never

Literal Translation: Late is better than not doing.

When to use it: This Korean proverb can be applied in situations where you believe it is preferable to arrive at an appointment late rather than never at all.

3. 정직은 최선의 방책이다 (jeongjigeun choeseonui bangchaegida)

Meaning: Honest is the best policy

Literal Translation: Honesty is the best way

When to use it: You can use this saying to express to someone that telling the truth is the right thing to do. For example, you might use it with a girlfriend who caught her boyfriend skipping Korean class!

4. 날개 돋친 듯이 팔리다 (nalgae dotchin deusi pallida)

Meaning: Selling like hotcakes

Literal Translation: Selling as if they’re flying away

When to use it: This is the Korean version of “selling like hotcakes” and can be used to describe things that are selling really well, like umbrellas when it’s raining or ice cream on a really hot day!

5. 재주가 많은 사람은 뭐 하나 제대로 하는게 없다 (jaejuga maneun sarameun mwo hana jedaero haneunge eopda)

Meaning: Jack of all trades, master of none

Literal Translation: A person with many skills cannot do one properly

When to use it: Use it when referring to a person that is competent in many skills but never becomes an expert in any particular one because they are too busy learning skills to an adequate level.

6. 예방은 치료약보다 낫다 (yebangeun chiryoyakboda natda)

Meaning: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Literal Translation: Prevention is better than a cure

When to use it: You can use it to suggest that it is better to avoid problems in the first place rather than fix them once they come up.

7. 행운의 여신은 용기 있는 자를 좋아한다 (haengunui yeosineun yonggi inneun jareul joahanda)

Meaning: Fortune favors the brave

Literal Translation: The goddess of good fortune likes a person who has the courage

When to use it: It is commonly used to encourage people to be brave and carry out their plans. For example, a friend may say it to another who doubts whether they should start their own business or open a shop.

8. 오늘 한 시간이 내일 두 시간 보다 가치있다 (oneul han sigani naeil du sigan boda gachiitda)

Meaning: One hour today is worth two tomorrow

Literal Translation: There is more worth in one hour today than in 2 hours tomorrow

When to use it: You can suggest that doing something immediately and taking action, even if it’s not perfect, is better than procrastinating.

Wrap Up

These kinds of teachings are what you'll encounter when learning languages. Hopefully, knowing these proverbs in Korean can aid you in both language learning and everyday life—especially if you happen to be in South Korea. Not only will you pick up a new language, but you'll also be able to communicate intelligently in Korean in daily situations!