English through Mythology – Hong Gil-dong (홍길동)

Hong Gil-dong: Vocabulary

Basic facts:

Hong Gil-dong was a legendary hero (전설의 영웅). His hometown (고향) was Jangseong (near Gwangju, Jeollanam-do). The writer Heo Gyun used the legend of Hong Gil-dong as the basis for his novel (소설책), which criticised Joseon-period society.

Name: Hong Gil-dong (홍길동)Hometown: Jangseong (장성)Why is he famous? He stole money from the rich in

order to help the poor.Is he unique? No. In English-speaking culture,

there is a similar figure called Robin Hood (로빈후드). Robin Hood robbed the rich in order to help the poor, just like Hong Gil-dong.

Who wrote about him? Heo Gyun, a novelist (소설가), wrote about Hong Gil-dong. His novel criticised Joseon-period society.

Robin Hood = 영국의 홍길동 birthplace = 생가

hometown = 고향 novel = 소설책

legend = 전설 legendary = 전설의

hero = 영웅