I was parent volunteer today for the weekly Nature Education of our 2nd graders where they go to parks and freely do unstructured play under the watchful eyes of our children’s Homeroom teachers along with a parent volunteer. The children’s classroom for today was the Gangseo Han River Park. I’ve always said this is my favorite part of the children’s education. They explore and learn.
While the children were playing, I spotted these sculptures of two men on a boat along the Han River. And what does this immortalize?
Title: Brothers Throwing Gold Away in the River
This is a story from a Korean folktale of two brothers and their love for each other. During the Goryeo 고려 Dynasty, two brothers were on the road together when the younger brother found two gold nuggets on the ground and gave one to the older brother. They came across Yangcheon River (currently Gongam Wharf in Gimpo) and as they crossed the river on a boat, the younger brother threw his gold nugget in the river. When the older brother asked why, the younger brother answered, “I have always loved you dearly, but now after sharing the gold with you, I was suddenly overcome with resentment. This tells me that gold is an inauspicious object, better to be thrown away in the river.” The older brother responded, “You are indeed correct, ” and threw his gold nugget in the water as well. (source)
I called the boys and brought them to this side of the park, overlooking the Han.
Behind them is the Banghwa Bridge 방화대교, the longest bridge to cross the Han River. With its red arch, it is a picturesque sight at night.
The boys struggled with the thought why the two nuggets of gold were thrown by the brothers in the river. And when they did realize that a brother’s love rose above all material desires, they nodded their understanding… and kept on playing:-). They’re 8, after all. They have the world as their playground for now.
How to go there?
Get off Exit 1 of Banghwa Station (Line 5). Take the Maeul Bus 07 and go down after 3 stops (Seongtae Park)… It’s a 15-minute walk from the bus stop towards Gangseo Han River Park.
Or take a cab.
======================================================
I love hearing about the traditional stories of countries and cultures so different to mine. It’s really fascinating to learn all of these different stories!
Like Ethan, I enjoyed reading about the traditional Korean story of the two brothers. Not sure if I would have thrown the nugget away myself, instead I feel like its a very cultural thing to do is to enjoy your riches and question/envy the spending choices of your fellow siblings/acquaintances.
I love that park. I went there only once quite a few years ago now, but it was quiet and nice to walk the paths. Did they get to see any of the animals that are around there?
We didn’t see any. I didn’t know there are animals around there.
omg now I remember out teacher told us this story during Korean cultural class and I almost forgot. Didn’t know they have a park to commemorate their love.. thanks for sharing Wendy.. I hope to visit the place very soon.
Thanks for sharing this interesting story! It’s always nice to learn about the culture and folk tales of a culture!
The story is very fascinating. I’m quite interested in such folk tales! Very cool, sounds like a fun day. (Maybe tiring, but you can handle it!)
Interesting concepts about pitting filia love against representations of wealth. Perhaps this tells us a little about Goryeo beliefs.
I also love folk tales from different cultures 🙂
It’s a nice message for the kids as well. Hopefully they absorbed it even though they were having fun!
What a great story. I love learning about the stories behind statues. It’s the reason why I prefer having a guide whenever I visit museums.