The Story Bag: A Collection of Korean Folk Tales

by Kim So-un, Kim Eui-Hwan (Illustrator), Setsu Higashi (Translator)

This collection of Korean folk tales is sure to delight the hearts of all children between the ages of eight and eighty.

Written with earthy wit and pathos, these Korea children's tales unveil the inevitable foibles of people everywhere and expose the human-like qualities of animals and the animal-like qualities of humans. Pulsating with the rhythm of life and the seasons, these stories transport the reader to a wonderland, where a tiny mouse teaches filial piety to a spoiled child, a blind man can "see" evil spirits, and fleas drink rice wine.

It is somehow deeply reassuring to know that even in present-day war-ravaged and politically-divided Korea, these same stories are still being told, just as they have been for generations.

Genres: Short Stories

229 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[shannon✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and I enjoyed most of the folktales. I found it very interesting to read the folktales and to learn a bit more about how they explain some occurrences in this world.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reminder of why I enjoy reading folktales and mythology from the world so much -- the similarity and differences in world creation myth alone is just fascinating. Clean writing style and very easy to read! Would be a nice book to add to my collection.