A Korean Poem About Farewell: Deep Dive into Kim Sowol’s ‘Azaleas’ (진달래꽃)

Table of Contents

김소월의 “진달래꽃”

Recitation

Thematic Analysis

Key Takeaways

Grammatical Analysis of the Poem

Introduction to the Poet

 

✒️ 김소월의 “진달래꽃”

 

나 보기가 역겨워 

가실 때에는 

말없이 고이 보내 드리우리다 

 

영변에 약산 

진달래꽃, 

아름 따다 가실 길에 뿌리우리다 

 

가시는 걸음걸음 

놓인 그 꽃을 

사뿐히 즈려밟고 가시옵소서 

 

나 보기가 역겨워 

가실 때에는 

죽어도 아니 눈물 흘리우리다 

 

This poem was published in 1922 and included in "진달래꽃" (Azaleas), Kim So-wol's only poetry collection, in 1925. It captures the traditional emotions of Korea, which is why it is regarded as a significant work in modern Korean poetry.

🎙️ Recitation

[Source] YouTube, 이온겸 낭송가 (Lee On-gyeom, Poetry Reciter)

✒️ Thematic Analysis

This poem conveys the speaker’s quiet resolve to let their beloved go without harboring resentment, even amid sadness. On the surface, there is a calm and courteous tone, but deep sorrow and resignation are underneath.

 

- 1연 (Stanza 1)

"나 보기가 역겨워 가실 때에는 말없이 고이 보내 드리우리다"

→ This line conveys the speaker’s acceptance of the beloved's departure without blame. The word "역겨워" (disgusted by me) hints at the cold and one-sided nature of the breakup.

 

- 2연 (Stanza 2)

"영변에 약산 진달래꽃 아름 따다 가실 길에 뿌리우리다"

→ The speaker wishes to scatter azalea flowers along the path of the departing loved one, hoping their way will be beautiful. "영변" and "약산", real geographical names in Korea, symbolize the beauty of nature, sorrow, and a profound sense of homeland. The "진달래꽃" (azalea flower) can be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker, representing sacrificial love toward the beloved.

 

- 3연 (Stanza 3)

"가시는 걸음걸음 놓인 그 꽃을 사뿐히 즈려밟고 가시옵소서"

→ This line asks the departing one to tread gently on the flowers, expressing tender consideration and the speaker’s internal pain. The phrase "사뿐히 즈려밟고" (gently step on) paradoxically reveals the speaker’s self-sacrifice and deep respect for the loved one.

 

- 4연 (Stanza 4)

"나 보기가 역겨워 가실 때에는 죽어도 아니 눈물 흘리우리다"

→ Here, the speaker pledges not to cry even in death when the loved one leaves. Yet, hidden in this vow is a profound sadness and heartache. Through this ironic expression, we sense the speaker is silently crying inside.

 

🐾 In standard word order, this line would read “죽어도 눈물을 흘리지 않겠다” (I will not cry even if I die), but the poet uses inversion: "죽어도 아니 눈물 흘리우리다" to emphasize “not crying” and enhance the poetic tone.

 

🐾 By repeatedly using the sentence-ending form "-우리다" at the end of each stanza, the poem creates a sense of rhyme.

 

Despite the wounds of love, the speaker's silent farewell carries a calm yet overwhelming emotional wave. Scattering azalea petals feels like a final gesture of love—a ceremonial goodbye.

Significantly, the repeated phrase "나 보기가 역겨워 가실 때에는" (when you leave because you are disgusted by me) evokes a sorrowful resignation as if the speaker is accepting the blame and letting the other go.

This poem reveals a mature attitude—ending love with grace rather than tears. Within it, we can feel both the depth of love and the weight of sorrow. Its emotionally rich yet simple language resonates with Korean sensibilities, making it a beloved piece for generations.

 

🎯 Key Takeaways

 

1. 보기가 역겹다

This expression conveys intense disgust or aversion when looking at something or someone, mainly due to their behavior, words, or attitude.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 사람의 웃는 얼굴이 보기가 역겨워."

"I find that person’s smiling face disgusting."

 

"말하는 태도가 너무 거슬려서 보기가 역겹다."

"His way of speaking is so annoying that I find it disgusting to even look at him."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

보기 싫다 – expresses displeasure but with less intensity.

정 떨어지다 – used when one feels completely turned off or loses affection.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이젠 너 얼굴도 보기 싫어."

"I don’t even want to see your face anymore."

 

"그런 행동 보면 진짜 정 떨어진다."

"Seeing behavior like that really makes me lose affection."

 

2. 말없이 고이

아무 말없이 조용히, 그리고 정성스럽고 조심스럽게 어떤 행동을 할 때 쓰인다. ‘고이’는 부드럽고 소중하게 다루는 느낌을 담고 있다.

This phrase describes doing something quietly and tenderly, with care and respect. "고이" conveys a gentle and cherished touch.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 편지를 말없이 고이 접어 서랍에 넣었다."

"She silently and carefully folded the letter and put it in the drawer."

 

"말없이 고이 담긴 꽃 한 송이에 마음이 울컥했다."

"I was overwhelmed by a single flower placed silently and tenderly."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

조용히 정성껏 – describes doing something with quiet care.

살며시 – used for soft, delicate actions.

 

📌 Example Usage

"조용히 정성껏 도시락을 싸 주었다."

"She quietly and carefully packed the lunch."

 

"그녀는 책을 살며시 덮었다."

"She gently closed the book."

 

3. 보내드리다

‘보내다’의 높임말로, 주로 돌아가신 분이나 어른, 높여야 할 상대에게 마지막 인사를 하거나 작별 인사를 할 때 사용된다.

This is the honorific form of "to send off," often used when saying a respectful farewell to someone, especially the deceased or elders.

 

📌 Example Usage

"할머니를 마지막으로 잘 보내드렸다."

"We sent off our grandmother properly for the last time."

 

"그분을 조용히 보내드리자고 모두가 모였다."

"Everyone gathered to bid farewell to him quietly."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

작별 인사를 드리다 – to offer a respectful goodbye.

고이 모시다 – to lay someone to rest with care and respect.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그분께 마지막 작별 인사를 드렸다."

"We gave him a final farewell."

 

"할머니를 고이 모셨다."

"We respectfully laid our grandmother to rest."

 

4. 진달래꽃

진달래는 봄에 피는 붉은 꽃으로, 시나 노래에서 흔히 이별, 기다림, 사랑의 상징으로 사용된다. 특히 김소월의 시 ‘진달래꽃’에서는 헌신적인 사랑과 이별의 상징으로 등장한다.

Azaleas, blooming red in spring, are often used in poetry and songs to symbolize parting, longing, and love. In Kim Sowol’s poem "진달래꽃", they represent devoted love and farewell.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 진달래꽃을 닮은 붉은 치마를 입고 있었다."

"She was wearing a red skirt that looked like azalea flowers."

 

"진달래꽃이 피면 그녀 생각이 난다."

"Azaleas remind me of her."

 

🎨 Expressions

벚꽃 – symbolizes spring, love, and fleeting beauty.

해바라기 – symbolizes unwavering love for one person.

 

📌 Example Usage

"벚꽃이 흩날리는 길을 함께 걸었다."

"We walked along a road where cherry blossoms were falling."

 

"그녀는 해바라기처럼 한 사람만 바라봤다."

"She looked only at one person like a sunflower."

 

5. (한)아름

두 팔을 벌려 안을 수 있을 만큼의 양을 뜻하며, 가득하고 넉넉한 느낌을 전달한다. 물리적인 양을 의미할 뿐 아니라 정서적으로도 풍성한 인상을 줄 수 있다.

This expression refers to an amount that can be held in both arms. It conveys a sense of abundance or fullness, both physically and emotionally.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 꽃을 한아름 안고 들어왔다."

"She came in with an armful of flowers."

 

"그는 한아름 간식을 안겨주며 활짝 웃었다."

"He gave me an armful of snacks with a big smile."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

가득 – means "full" and is used for filling up space or quantity.

수북이 – describes a pile of something stacked high or abundantly.

 

📌 Example Usage

"바구니를 가득 채웠다."

"She filled the basket to the brim."

 

"책상 위에 책이 수북이 쌓여 있었다."

"There was a big pile of books on the desk."

 

6. 길에 뿌리다

길에 무언가를 흩뿌리는 동작을 의미하며, 문학적 표현으로는 애틋한 감정이나 헌신, 혹은 작별을 상징할 수 있다.

This phrase means "to scatter along the road." In poetic contexts, it often symbolizes deep emotion, dedication, or farewell.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 작별 인사로 꽃잎을 길에 뿌렸다."

"She scattered petals along the road as a final goodbye."

 

"길에 나쁜 기운을 막으려고 소금을 뿌렸다."

"Salt was scattered along the path to ward off bad energy."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

흩뿌리다 – to scatter things broadly and randomly.

뿌리고 가다 – to leave something behind while moving on, often symbolically.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 화가 나서 물을 여기저기 흩뿌렸다."

"She scattered water everywhere in rage."

 

"그는 사랑을 뿌리고 떠났다."

"He left behind love as he walked away."

 

7. 가다 / 가시다

‘가다’는 일반적인 이동을 뜻하고, ‘가시다’는 높임말로 주로 어른이나 존경하는 사람의 이동을 높여 표현할 때 사용된다.

"가다" means "to go," while "가시다" is the honorific form used when referring to someone respected or of higher status.

 

📌 Example Usage

"할머니가 시장에 가셨다."

"My grandmother went to the market."

 

"그는 말없이 일찍 가버렸다."

"He left early without saying a word."

 

🎨 Expressions

떠나다 – to leave a place or person.

오시다 – honorific of "to come," often used with "가시다" in contrast.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 지난달에 회사를 떠났다."

"She left the company last month."

 

"아버지께서 늦게 오셨다."

"My father came home late."

 

8. 걸음

걸음은 걷는 동작 자체를 뜻하며, ‘발걸음’이나 ‘방문’의 의미로도 확장된다. 정중한 표현으로는 누군가의 방문을 높여 말할 때 쓰이기도 한다.

This word means "a step" or "walking," but it can also refer to someone’s visit, mainly when used respectfully or poetically.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 먼 길을 걸음해 주셔서 감사합니다."

"Thank you for coming all the way here."

 

"그의 느린 걸음이 멀어져 갔다."

"His slow steps faded into the distance."

 

🎨 Expressions

발걸음 – similar to 걸음, but more often used to describe the motion or emotional tone.

찾아오다 – to come and visit someone.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그의 발걸음 소리가 기억난다."

"I remember the sound of his footsteps."

 

"친구가 불쑥 나를 찾아왔다."

"My friend visited me without notice."

 

9. 사뿐히

가볍고 조심스럽게 걷거나 움직이는 모습을 표현하는 부사로, 부드럽고 우아한 이미지가 있다. 주로 문학적이거나 정서적인 장면에서 자주 사용된다.

This adverb describes walking or moving lightly and gently, often with elegance or care. It is commonly used in poetic or emotional contexts.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 무대 위로 사뿐히 올라섰다."

"She stepped lightly onto the stage."

 

"고양이는 창틀 위에 사뿐히 내려앉았다."

"The cat landed softly on the windowsill."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

살며시 – softly and gently, often used for touch or movement.

조용히 – quietly, with little to no sound.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 살며시 문을 열었다."

"She gently opened the door without making a sound."

 

"그는 조용히 방 안으로 들어왔다."

"He entered the room quietly."

 

10. 즈려밟다

문학적 또는 전통적인 맥락에서 누군가의 마음이나 존재를 해치지 않도록 조심스럽게 밟는다는 의미. 존중과 예의를 담은 표현이다.

This is a poetic or traditional expression meaning to step over something carefully, often used to show deep respect or avoid harming someone’s feelings or symbolic presence.

 

📌 Example Usage

"날 즈려밟고 가시옵소서."

"Please step over me carefully, as if not to harm me."

 

"그녀는 떨어진 꽃잎을 즈려밟듯 걸었다."

"She walked as though treading lightly over fallen blossoms."

 

🎨 Expressions

조심히 밟다 – to step carefully.

피해서 걷다 – to walk while avoiding something.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 물웅덩이를 조심히 밟지 않으려고 했다."

"She stepped carefully to avoid the puddles."

 

"그는 꽃을 피해서 걸었다."

"He avoided stepping on the flowers."

 

11. 죽어도

무엇을 하겠다는 의지가 매우 강하거나, 절대로 어떤 일이 있어도 하지 않겠다는 강한 부정을 나타낼 때 사용된다. 생명을 걸 만큼의 결심이나 저항을 표현한다.

This expression conveys extreme determination or refusal, often implying that something will or will not be done “even if it costs one's life.”

 

📌 Example Usage

"죽어도 널 지킬 거야."

"I’ll protect you, even if it kills me."

 

"죽어도 그는 용서 못 해."

"I will never forgive him, even if I die."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

절대로 – absolutely (not), used for firm refusal.

목숨 걸고 – to risk one’s life doing something.

 

📌 Example Usage

"절대로 포기 안 해."

"I absolutely won’t give up."

 

"목숨 걸고 이걸 할 거야."

"I’m going to do this with my life on the line."

 

12. 눈물 흘리다

감정이 북받쳐서 우는 상태를 묘사하며, 기쁨, 슬픔, 감동 등 다양한 감정 상태와 연결되어 사용된다.

This phrase means "to shed tears" and describes someone crying from overwhelming emotion, such as joy, sadness, or a deep sentiment.

 

📌 Example Usage

"작별 인사에 눈물을 흘렸다."

"She shed tears during the farewell."

 

"편지를 보고 눈물을 흘릴 수밖에 없었다."

"He couldn’t help but cry when he saw the letter."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

울다 – to cry, a general term.

눈시울이 붉어지다 – to tear up, showing restrained emotion.

 

📌 Example Usage

"아이는 넘어지고 나서 크게 울었다."

"The child cried loudly after falling."

 

"그녀는 연설을 들으며 눈시울이 붉어졌다."

"She was tearing up during the speech."

✒️ Grammatical Analysis of the Poem

 

"나 보기가 역겨워"

- "나" (I, me)

- "보기가" = "보다" (to see) + nominalizing suffix "-기" → "보기" (the act of seeing) + subject particle "가"

- "역겨워" = "역겹다" (to be disgusting, repulsive) + conjugated ending "-어"

 

📝 Meaning

"If seeing me feels so disgusting and unpleasant that you’ve come to hate me"

 

“가실 때에는”

- "가실" = "가다" (to go) + honorific modifier "-실"

• "가다" → "가시다" → "가실"

- "때에는" = "때" (time, when) + particle "에" (at, on) + emphasis marker "는"

 

📝 Meaning

"An honorific way to express the very moment the person leaves."

 

“말없이 고이 보내 드리우리다”

- "말없이" = "말" (words) + adverbial negation suffix "-없이" (without)

- "고이" = gently, beautifully

- "보내 드리우리다" = "보내다" (to send) + "드리다" (honorific auxiliary verb) + archaic future/volitional "-우리다"

 

📝 Meaning

"I will let you go quietly and gracefully, without saying a word, with determination and respect, not out of resentment."

 

“영변에 약산”

- "영변" = a place in present-day North Korea

- "-에" = location particle (at, in)

- "약산" = a local mountain (specific named place)

 

📝 Meaning

"Refers to Mt. Yak in Yeongbyeon, a location in present-day North Korea."

 

“진달래꽃,”

- "진달래꽃" = azalea flower

 

📝 Meaning

"A poetic symbol of separation, longing, and devotion in Korean cultural sentiment."

 

"아름 따다 가실 길에 뿌리우리다"

- "아름" = armful, a bundle

- "따다" = to pick

- "가실" = "가다" (to go) + honorific modifier "-실"

- "길에" = "길" (path) + location particle "-에"

- "뿌리우리다" = "뿌리다" (to scatter, to spread) + poetic future/honorific "-우리다"

 

📝 Meaning

"I will sincerely pick flowers and scatter them along the path you’ll take as a gesture of devotion and care"

 

“가시는 걸음걸음”

- "가시는" = "가다" (to go) + "-시" (honorific) + present modifier "-는"

• "가다" → "가시다" → "가시는"

- "걸음걸음" = "걸음" + "걸음" (repetition for every step)

 

📝 Meaning

"Every step of yours as you leave, with respect and heartfelt wishes."

 

"놓인 그 꽃을"

- "놓인" = "놓이다" (to be laid) + past participial "-ㄴ"

- "그 꽃을" = "그" (that) + "꽃" (flower) + object particle "을"

 

📝 Meaning

"The flowers already laid out on the path, symbolizing a quiet heart preparing for farewell with love."

 

“사뿐히 즈려밟고 가시옵소서”

- "사뿐히" = lightly, softly

- "즈려밟고" = "즈려밟다" (archaic form of "짓밟다", to tread on) + connective ending "-고."

- "가시옵소서" = honorific imperative form of "가다" using "시" + archaic/formal "옵소서"

• "가다" → "가시다" → "가시옵소서"

 

📝 Meaning

"Please step gently over the flowers I’ve laid out with my heart and go—without blame, with respect."

 

"죽어도 아니 눈물 흘리우리다"

- "죽어도" = "죽다" (to die) + concessive ending "-어도" (even if)

- "아니" = negation

- "눈물 흘리우리다" = "눈물" (tears) + "흘리다" (to shed) + poetic future/honorific "-우리다"

 

📝 Meaning

"Even if I die, I will not shed a tear."

 

🐾 In standard word order, this line would read “죽어도 눈물을 흘리지 않겠다” (I will not cry even if I die), but the poet uses inversion: "죽어도 아니 눈물 흘리우리다" to emphasize “not crying” and enhance the poetic tone.

 

🐾 By repeatedly using the sentence-ending form "-우리다" at the end of each stanza, the poem creates a sense of rhyme.

 

✒️ Introduction to the Poet

김소월 (Kim Sowol, 金素月, 1902~1934)

A symbolic figure in modern Korean literature, 김소월 is a representative poet who beautifully captured the emotions of the Korean people and their national sentiment in the native Korean language. His real name was 김정식 (Kim Jeong-sik), and "소월" (Sowol) was his literary pseudonym.

His poetic world is filled with local sentiment, sorrow and longing, separation, and love for nature and the Korean people. Using simple yet lyrical language, he captivated readers' hearts.

He is also known as a national poet who wrote poetry based on uniquely Korean emotions during the Japanese colonial period.

In 2007, the Korean Poets' Association selected him as one of the ten most important poets in modern Korean poetry.

 

Representative Works

• 진달래꽃
• 초혼
• 가는 길
• 산유화
• 엄마야 누나야

Though he lived a short life, Kim Sowol’s poetry continues to resonate deeply with countless people and is considered a classic of modern Korean poetry.