English Recordings

No news is good news.
Often used to reassure someone who has not received any news from a loved one who is away somewhere.
No news is good news.

Ignorance is medicine; knowledge is sickness.
Used to argue the benefits of keeping bad news from someone or of not having to worry about some problem because one does not know about the problem.
Ignorance is bliss.

It does not matter how you go, as long as you go to Seoul.
Used when one wants to say that achieving a goal is more important than how it is done.
The end justifies the means.

A close neighbor is better than a far-off relative.
Used to describe the importance of having good neighbors
A good neighbor is better than a brother far off.

Affection is at the end of a whip.
Used to explain how a child and a parent or other loved one often become closer after the child is punished for misbehaving.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Just as one puts on one's headband, the state examination ends.
Used to describe a situation where an opportunity has expired just as one finished preparing to take advantage of that opportunity.
Koreans have a tradition of wearing headbands as a symbol of their determination to overcome a difficult situation or to win a difficult struggle, such as workers striking for better pay and conditions. Students preparing for difficult state examinations in both old and modern Korea have also been known to wear such headbands to show their determination to pass the exams. Phrases such as "certain victory" are often written on the headbands.
Too little, too late.
Muddle away one's opportunities.

Though it is easy to say, it is difficult to do.
Usually used to tell someone that a plan or task will be harder to carry out than it sounds.
It is easier said than done.

Proof is better than words.
Used to tell someone that you need to see it to believe it.
Don't just say it, prove it.

The taste of (soybean or red pepper) paste is better than the earthen bowl it comes in
Used to describe something that is better on the inside than it looks on the outside.
Appearances can be deceiving.

Where there's a will, there's a way.
Actually, this proverb seems to be a direct translation of the Western proverb, which is used to remind people that no matter how hopeless a situation may look, there is always a solution if one just keeps looking.
Where there's a will, there's a way.