Korean Tale
The Delicious Stone Tteok
This old folk tale reminds us that when we are smart, we can overcome the most difficult obstacles, even if we are at an obvious disadvantage.


In the north of Korea, near the famous Diamond Mountain, there once lived a young man who made his living as a woodcutter. He came from an extremely poor family, and the wood he chopped and sold to his neighbours was just enough to make a living. Although he was an honest and hardworking man, he could not find a bride because of his poverty. However, he never complained and always worked hard. The villagers said that the sound of his axe echoed through the forest all day, every
One day, while the woodcutter was cutting down trees on the mountainside, he suddenly heard a rustling noise in the forest behind
“Please, good man, help me, I am in great danger! Hide me!” cried the deer.
The woodcutter did not hesitate to help the frightened animal and quickly hid it behind a pile of chopped wood. Then he continued working as if nothing had happened. Immediately, there came a sound of stomping and
A hunter appeared among the trees. Still panting, he asked the woodcutter, “Did you happen to see a deer here? I almost had it, and then it disappeared. Where could it have run to?”
“Ah yes, I saw him,” replied the woodcutter, “he ran through this way and headed down into the valley. If you hurry, you’ll surely catch up with him.” He gave a nod down the hill.
Without hesitation, the hunter set off towards the valley, and soon he had vanished from
The little deer timidly climbed out of his hiding place and thanked the woodcutter for his kindness.
“Good man,” he said, “I must repay you for saving my life, so…