The Story of Hong Gildong

by Heo Gyun · 2026-08-25

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hong, having reached the age of ninety, had been ill for a long time.

On the full moon of the ninth month in autumn, as his condition worsened, he called his wife and eldest son, Gil-hyeon, and said,

“I am ninety years old; what regret could I have if I were to die now?”

“However, Gil-dong, though born of a lowly concubine, is still my flesh and blood.”

“Since he left the gate, I don't know if he is alive or dead, and I cannot even see his face at my deathbed; how could I not be sad?”

“After I die, treat Gil-dong's mother well so she may live comfortably.”

“Please consider the future, and if Gil-dong returns, do not regard him as the child of a lowly servant.”

“Treat him like a brother born of the same womb, and do not betray your parents' last wishes.”

Then he called Gil-dong's mother, asked her to sit close, held her hand, shed tears, and said,

“The reason I cannot forget you is that since Gil-dong left, news of him has ceased, and I do not know if he is alive or dead.”

“If my heart is so earnestly concerned, how much more must yours be?”

“Gil-dong is no ordinary man. If he is alive, he will never abandon you.”

“Please do not lightly cast aside your life, but preserve it well.”

“Even if I return to the underworld, I will not be able to close my eyes.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he passed away.

The wife fainted, and everyone around was overwhelmed with grief, their wails shaking the air.

Gil-hyeon could not overcome his sorrow, and tears streamed down like rain.

Nevertheless, he supported and comforted his wife, calming her down, then meticulously carried out the funeral procedures according to custom.

Gil-dong's mother was even more distraught and grieved, her appearance so pitiful that it was unbearable to watch.

After the completion of the mourning period, they sought an auspicious site to bury him.

He placed people in various locations and, taking several geomancers, searched for a burial site in all directions, but found no suitable place and was troubled.

At that time, Gil-dong arrived at Seogang, disembarked from the boat, and reached the Prime Minister's residence.

He then went straight to the Prime Minister's ancestral tablet and prostrated himself, weeping bitterly.

The chief mourner looked closely and saw that it was Gil-dong.

After a great lament, he took Gil-dong into the inner quarters and reported to his wife.

The wife, a mix of surprise and joy, held Gil-dong's hand and shed tears.

"You left home when you were young and now you return; thinking of the past makes me feel rather ashamed."

"But where did you go for those three or four years, completely severing all ties?"

"When His Excellency was on his deathbed, he spoke such words and passed away without forgetting you; how could it not be regrettable?"

Then she called Gil-dong's mother.

Upon hearing that Gil-dong had arrived, his mother rushed in, and when mother and son faced each other, they could not stop their tears from flowing.

After comforting his wife and mother, Gil-dong spoke to his brother.

"During that time, I lived in seclusion in the mountains and deeply studied geomancy."

"I have designated a burial site for His Excellency, but I wonder if you have already chosen a place."

His brother, hearing those words, was even more delighted and said that he had not yet decided.

Many people gathered and reminisced throughout the night.

The next day, Gil-dong escorted his brother to a certain place, pointed, and said,

"This is the spot I have chosen."

Gil-hyeon looked around and saw layers of rugged rocks and countless old tombs scattered about.

Displeased, he said,

"I do not know my younger brother's lofty opinion, but I have no intention of burying him here."

"Look for another plot of land."

Gil-dong feigned a sigh.

"Although this land is like this, it is a place where prime ministers and generals will be born for generations."

"It is regrettable that it does not suit my elder brother's opinion."

Then he picked up an axe and dug a few feet.

Then, a five-colored aura rose, and a pair of blue cranes flew up.

Seeing this sight, the elder brother greatly regretted it and, holding Gil-dong's hand, said,

"Because of this foolish elder brother's opinion, such a great plot of land was lost; how could I not be heartbroken?"

"I hope there is another plot of land?"

Gil-dong said,