[A Sip of Books] Gatbalgi, Gaekojuiko, Ampangjida... The Discovery of the Korean Language

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This book explores the Korean language, which is gradually losing its place due to the prevalence of Sino-Korean words, loanwords, and neologisms. It carefully examines 328 endearing and practical Korean words, categorizing them into 14 themes such as weather, food, character, and appearance. The book is characterized by its easy explanations, often using examples from literary works.

The rays pouring from the sun are referred to as "haetsal," which conveys an aggressive feeling; the light that the sun shines is called "haetbit"; and the intense heat radiated by the sun is "haetbyeot." The word "byeot" is a shortened form of "haetbyeot." While "ttaengbyeot" and "bulbyeot" describe the scorching heat of the midday sun, "dodeulbyeot," which refers to the sunlight at sunrise, conveys warmth. This is because the slowly rising "dodeulbyeot," which pushes away the darkness of the night, carries a sense of leisure and gentleness that comes from its unhurried pace. - From "Dodeulbyeol," p.21

When something keeps lingering in your mind and you can't stop thinking about it, the Korean word "gamchida" is used. Originally, it refers to the act of sewing by winding thread in a circle to prevent it from unraveling. The word is also used to describe a taste that lingers in your mouth and doesn't fade away. In contrast, "gamdolda" is a Korean word that means an atmosphere or scent is widely diffused. For example, when the scent of incense fills a room, it is described as "gamdolda." The word is also used when a thought or memory faintly resurfaces in your mind and doesn't disappear. - From "Gamchida, Gamdolda," p.54

"Mongni" refers to a tendency to act petulantly in order to assert one's rights when not treated fairly. In other words, it is the sulkiness that arises when one does not receive the treatment they believe they deserve. On the other hand, "haengjja" means "to act spitefully and harm others" regardless of one's own wishes. While "mongni" is directed at a specific person, "haengjja" can be directed at anyone, whether specific or not. "Yonggoltaejil" means to deliberately provoke or irritate someone out of spite. - From "Mongni, Haengjja, Yonggoltaejil," pp.94-95

"Ampangjida" has two meanings: one is "to be small in stature but strong and robust," and the other is "to act with great force and determination, without being careless." The similar yet different word "ompangjida" also has two meanings. If the ground is described as "ompangjida," it means the center is slightly sunken. An "ompangjige eolkeun eolgul" refers to a face deeply pockmarked, often describing someone who suffered from severe smallpox in the past. Besides meaning "slightly sunken in the middle," it can also mean "to an extreme degree" or "severe." - From "Ampangjida, Ompangjida," pp.131-132

The Discovery of the Korean Language | Written by Park Youngsoo | Saramin | 348 pages | 17,000 won