중동부유럽

This study analyzed a number of Korean and Polish proverbs regarding money and wealth that are widely used in daily conversations and texts in the twenty-first century. It aims to investigate the two countries’ perceptions about money and wealth and their ways of life from the perspective of cultural history and to compare the value systems of the Polish and Korean people. Though they are diverse and different in terms of specific rhetoric, metaphors, and modes of expression, all proverbs have preserved their fundamental value related to human insights and morality. Therefore, it is not surprising to discover that many proverbs in different countries share similar meanings. Numerous proverbs regarding money and wealth have been found in Korea and Poland in terms of their similar meanings. Both Poland and Korea were traditionally agricultural countries, and they were often invaded by surrounding powerful countries due to their geopolitical situation. As a result, they experienced the sorrow of being small, weak countries, and suffered from poverty and suppression for a long period. Nevertheless, in the process, they learned how to cope with all kinds of risks through positive thinking and kept their own unique national identity and culture. The wisdom about survival and economic value they acquired through hardship and experience over a long history are expressed well in many proverbs of Poland and Korea, particularly proverbs related to money and wealth.