There was once a man living on the outskirts of Seoul who was so poor he could neither provide food for his family nor keep a roof over their heads. His dire poverty reduced him to the uttermost depths of despair, and at last, he resolved to put an end to his life.

One day he left his wife without telling her where he was going. He went down to the bank of the Han River, and walked along until he came to a towering, rocky cliff. He climbed to the top, closed his eyes and hurled himself over the precipice into the water below. He imagined he was killed instantly. But half an hour later, a beautiful woman who was washing clothes at the riverside found him lying on a sandbank. He was unconscious, but otherwise unhurt. Before long he came to his senses, and she asked him what happened. He told her of his poverty, and his resolve to end his life. So she said to him, ‘Happily you are safe. I hope you will never try to do such a terrible thing again. You are still young, and sometime fortune will smile on you. If you like, you can come home with me and rest a while at my house.’

Thereupon she led him away, and soon they came to her house. It was very large and built of brick, and stood alone in the valley. Altogether, it gave an impression of great wealth. The man stayed there as a guest, and very soon fell in love with the girl. He forgot his family completely. In any case, he was sure he must be dead, for had he not thrown himself in the river to put an end to his life? Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that any such delights could exist in the world as the life he was now leading with this mysterious girl. She was of the most ethereal beauty, and she gave him the finest clothes to wear and the richest food to eat. Moreover the house itself was luxurious beyond his wildest imaginings, and he was completely overwhelmed by it all.

They lived together happily for a few months. However, his new life began to pall a little, and he thought wistfully of his helpless family. So he told his mistress that he would like to go away for a while, though he did not tell her that he wanted to visit his family. But she had already guessed his intention, and said, ‘If you leave me now, I am afraid that you will forget me and never come back.’

The man, too, thought it was quite possible that he might stay with his family and not return to her, but he answered vehemently, ‘How could I ever forget you? Have no fear. I will come back to you without fail.’

‘On your way back, then,’ said the girl, ‘take no notice of anyone who may try to deter you. Come straight back, and I shall be waiting for you.’