Korean folktales give kids the opportunity to listen to captivating stories that offer universal appeal as well as insights into Korean culture. Plus, young readers will enjoy making comparisons between Korean folklore and traditional stories, fairy tales and legends from other cultures around the world. Use our Korean folktale book list to start your reading adventure!
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Where's Halmoni? by Julie Kim
This is such a wonderful and unique book! Two siblings arrive at Halmoni’s house (grandmother's house) but their grandmother is missing; instead, they see paw prints! They go looking for her and what follows is a splendid adventure inspired by Korean folklore. The story is separated into several sections based on their encounters with a rabbit, goblins and the tiger. Human dialogue is in English, non-human is in Korean but non-Korean speakers will have no problems following the story, and a translation is provided. Don't miss this one!
MORE: Be sure to compare the Korean folktales on this list with characters and themes found in these 50 Folktales from around the World
Where's Yoon? by Julie Kim
Where's Yoon? is the follow-up to Where's Halmoni? and is just as fun. Halmoni sends Jin through a magical portal to deliver some rice cakes and find her sibling, Joon. Meanwhile, Joon is trying with his rabbit friend, Tokki, to fix Halmoni's cooking pot. The same kind of hilarious adventures that delighted readers in Where's Halmoni? will keep kids giggling until the end.
Lady Hahn and Her Seven Friends by Yumi Heo
Find it: Amazon
In this adaptation of a tale from 19th century Korea, humor and lessons about the value of cooperation and community are front and center. Lady Hahn, a seamstress, works with seven tiny friends, all wielding, and named after, sewing tools. Each of the friends believes she is the most important but in the end they realize nothing can happen without the contributions of each lady.
MORE: Japanese folktales for kids
The Green Frogs: A Korean Tale by Yumi Heo
Find it: Amazon
This Korean folktale explains why frogs croak loudly near water. Two young frogs never listen to their mother! They love to do exactly the opposite of what she says. When their mother dies, they bury her by the stream and croak loudly so she is not washed away and forgotten.
MORE: After reading these folktales, play Five Field Kono, a traditional board game from Korea (we even have a printable game board for you!)
The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon by Janie Jaehyun Park
Find it: Amazon
A tiger overhears a mother telling her baby to stay quiet so a tiger cannot hear the child's cries. When the mother offers the child a persimmon, the tiger believes a persimmon must be a fierce creature, indeed! Then, when a thief jumps on the tiger's back, the tiger believes it is being attacked by a persimmon and flees the village.
MORE: Folktales from India also feature tigers!
The Princess and the Beggar: A Korean Folktale by Anne Sibley O'Brien
Find it: Amazon
When she won't stop weeping, the king threatens to marry his kind-hearted daughter off to a beggar. Later, the princess escapes an arranged marriage by fleeing to that same beggar. She tutors him in all the arts needed to become a skilled scholar and warrior. Eventually the two return to court and are accepted by the king.
The Sun Girl and the Moon Boy: A Korean Folktale by Yangsook Choi
Find it: Amazon
Kids will enjoy finding parallels between "Little Red Riding Hood," Lon Po Po (see our Chinese folktale list) and Choi's retelling of this Korean folktale about a hungry tiger. A mother heads off to the market, warning her children not to open the door to strangers. Soon a tiger comes to the door with mealtime on its mind. With a little magical intervention, the children are lifted into the sky where the three of them become the stars, sun and moon.
MORE: Pourquoi tales from different cultures attempt to explain natural phenomena
The Korean Cinderella by Shirley Climo, illustrated by Ruth Heller
Everyone loves a good Cinderella retelling and kids will enjoy comparing the details in this gorgeously illustrated version with the fairy tale they already know. When the beautiful Pear Blossom's mother dies, her new stepmother treats her poorly and gives her impossible chores. To complete the chores, Pear Blossom receives assistance from magical animals.
MORE: Classic European Fairy Tales
The Legend of Hong Kil Dong: Outlaw Hero of Korea by Anne Sibley O'Brien
Find it: Amazon
I wanted to include this 17th century Korean story because I just love a good Robin Hood story. (If you do, too, see my list of Robin Hood retellings.) Hong Kil Dong leads a band of men to fight injustice and becomes a leader among me. O'Brian adapts the tale into comic book format, which will appeal to kids who love graphic novels and hero stories.
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