Words have a mysterious power to move people’s hearts.
In particular, many Korean sayings are simple yet carry profound meaning.
Within brief phrases are condensed truths of life, emotions that pierce the heart, and elements of uniquely Korean culture.
In this article, we introduce short yet resonant Korean quotes.
You may discover a line that speaks to your heart.
- Short quotes that resonate with the heart. Words that reach you effortlessly.
- Positive quotes that pierce the heart. The power of short words to change a life.
- Short quotes that reach your heart in an instant. Words to encourage you right now.
- Witty one-liners that pierce the heart: a collection of brief yet profoundly meaningful maxims
- A collection of quotes to make your motto—brief words from great figures that can change your life
- You might even find your motto—short phrases that leave a lasting impression.
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- That one line is sure to jolt you! Short but cool words
- Keep your favorite words close. A short collection of quotes that comfort the heart.
- Become positive with four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful words.
- Short, heart-stirring words of encouragement! Courageous quotes that push you to take a step toward tomorrow.
- A single self-encouraging phrase that resonates with a downcast heart. Short quotes that can lift you up right now.
- Knowing it will surely save your heart… Short quotes to remember when times are tough
Short Korean quotes that resonate with the heart. Words that can change your life (1–10)
시간이 약이다.
There’s a saying that time will solve things, and many people may feel that the Japanese phrase meaning “time is a medicine” is exactly right.
No matter how painful or sad something was, even if we never forget it completely, it gradually fades from our memory as time passes.
It’s a message that tells us that, even when nothing we do can change what has happened, simply letting time pass will naturally bring healing.
인생은 짧아서 후회할 시간이 없다.
It’s a phrase in Japanese that means “Life is short, so there’s no time for regrets,” and I think it’s both positive and piercingly true.
Regret is about the past, which can’t be undone, yet people tend to get stuck on that fact and overthink, wasting precious time.
But life—and time itself—is limited; it neither stops nor turns back.
This quote urges us not to waste our hearts or time on what can’t be changed, and instead gives us a push to keep moving forward.
정열 없이 사는 것은 죽은 것과 같다.Jungkook (BTS)
Jungkook, the singer-songwriter known as a member of BTS, an idol group with worldwide popularity.
The famous quote often rendered in Japanese as “Living without passion is the same as being dead” seems to be words that come from continually facing his own dreams.
The message that merely existing—without thought or action—has no meaning may help us remember the passion we’d forgotten.
It’s a quote that teaches us what’s necessary for living a fulfilling life.
슬럼프가 오는건 자기 이생에 최선을 다한 것.Yunho (TVXQ)
Yunho, a singer known as the leader of TVXQ, who debuted in 2004 and has gained popularity both in Japan and abroad.
His famous quote in Japanese, “If you hit a slump, it means you’ve done your best in your life,” carries a special weight precisely because he has remained at the forefront of the music scene to this day.
Many people may feel anxious, worrying that a slump means the end for them.
However, a message that acknowledges how deeply you’ve faced something—so much that you fell into a slump—will surely resonate.
It’s a gem of a quote that focuses not on the fact that you fell into a slump, but on how hard you worked.
열번 찍어 안 넘어가는 나무가 없다.
An episode from when NBA star Stephen Curry visited Japan and coached students.
When a female student, discouraged by missed shots, started to leave, he called her back and said, “I’ve missed shots tens of thousands of times.
What matters is to keep shooting until it goes in,” and, despite limited time, gave her more chances to shoot.
It’s a story that shows the importance of persevering until you achieve your goal.
The Korean saying mentioned here may sound obvious, yet it also feels profound.
A Japanese proverb with a similar meaning might be, “Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain.” Steady, consistent effort and the patience to see things through to the end are what truly matter.
오늘 걷지 않으면 내일 뛰어야 한다.
The English saying goes, “Strike while the iron is hot.” In Japan, we have a proverb that says, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” We tend to push things off with a “I’ll do it tomorrow,” unless it’s work or studying under pressure.
Since similar proverbs exist all around the world, it shows that people’s thinking doesn’t differ all that much, even if national characteristics do.
On the other hand, realizing that “everyone feels this way” can make you feel a bit better.
And if it’s the kind of task that can be postponed until tomorrow, maybe a little procrastination is acceptable? Maybe?
일소일소 일로일로.
There’s a famous saying about the impact emotions have on us: “Each time you get angry, you age; each time you laugh, you grow younger.” Indeed, anger demands tremendous energy and puts a heavy burden on the heart, draining not only the target of that anger but yourself as well.
In contrast, when you approach others with a smile, both you and the other person relax, and your heart feels soothed.
People who are quick to anger and those who laugh often tend to make these states a habit rather than a momentary reaction.
This saying is a reminder to reflect on which tendency you have in your daily life.