LESSON 12. Ulsan-bawi

 

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Ulsan-bawi

 

There is a very beautiful, big rock in Mr. Sŏrak. It stands alone and looks like a small mountain range. There are no trees on its steep slopes and sharp peaks. It is called "Ulsan-bawi." According to legend, Ulsan-bawi has an interesting history.

Long ago, Korea's chief mountain spirit decided to build a new mountain in Kangwon-do. He wanted to make it the most splendid mountain in the whole world, but he needed help. So he called the other mountain spirits together and told them about his plan. They liked the idea and decided to help.

The chief mountain spirit asked, "Do you have any good ideas?"

The other spirits considered the problem. How could they create the most beautiful mountain in all the world?

After a while, one mountain spirit said, "Let's each bring the most beautiful piece of our own mountains to Kangwon-do." "That's sounds good! We can put all the pieces together to make a new mountain," said the chief.

All the other spirits believed him to be right. "That's it," said the other spirits. "We'll have the most beautiful mountain in the world."

All the mountain spirits went back to their lovely mountains to select beautiful pieces of rock. Carefully pulling them off, they took them to Kangwon-do. Slowly, piece by piece the mountain began to take shape.

However, the mountain spirit from Ulsan, being proud and haughty, wanted his rock to be the biggest and best. So he chose a piece of rock ten times bigger than any other. It took a long time to dig it up.

And it was very, very, heavy. But he was happy because he knew his piece was the biggest. As he walked north carrying the huge rock, he often stopped to rest. So it was not easy for him to get to Kangwon-do on time. Meanwhile the other mountain spirits had all brought their pieces of mountain to Kangwon-do.

Working together, they at last completed building a beautiful mountain. They decided to call it Mr. Kŭmgang.

"It is magnificent!" they said.

The Ulsan spirit was then near Mr. Sŏrak. the chief spirit sent word to him that Mt. Kŭmgang was finished. He told the proud Ulsan mountain spirit to take his piece of mountain back home.

When he heard that, the Ulsan spirit was furious. In a rage he threw his piece of rock to the ground and went back to Ulsan.

Even today you can see that piece of mountain where he threw it. It still stands there lonely and proud just like its creator.

 

 

Dialogue 1

인숙의 가족이 겨울 방학에 설악산에 놀러 왔다.

 

In-ho : The mountains are beautiful, aren't they?

In-suk : Yes. I'm glad we came to Mt. Sŏrak.

In-ho : Shall we go hiking?

In-suk : I'd rather stay inside.

In-ho : Oh, come on. It's a beautiful day.

In-suk : Beautiful? It's so cold that I'll freeze.

In-ho : If we go out, the sun will keep you warm.

 

Dialogue 2

상호와 인숙이 졸업식장에서 만났다.

 

In-suk : Congratulations, Sang-ho.

Sang-ho : Thank you. Congratulations to you, too!

In-suk : I'd like you to meet my father.

Sang-ho : How do you do, Mr. Yi? It's nice to meet you.

Mr. Yi : Nice to meet you, too. Are you sad your middle school days are over?

Sang-ho : Yes, a little. But mostly I'm looking forward to starting high school.