Nuance Dictionary / Culture & Language
금강산도 식후경 Geumgangsando sikhugyeong
The ultimate cultural justification for eating savory pancakes and drinking rice wine at the base of a mountain before setting foot on the trail.
What does 금강산도 식후경 mean?
금강산도 식후경 (Geumgangsando sikhugyeong) means: The ultimate cultural justification for eating savory pancakes and drinking rice wine at the base of a mountain before setting foot on the trail.
Speakers use this saying to justify prioritizing a meal over any planned activity or task, regardless of how enjoyable or important it is supposed to be. It appears frequently at the start of outings or events when hunger takes precedence over the schedule. Friends often invoke it playfully at the base of a hiking trail to suggest stopping for food and drinks before beginning the climb.
Among friends, this can sound like a lighthearted excuse to indulge right away rather than delay gratification for later.
Among friends, this can sound like a lighthearted excuse to indulge right away rather than delay gratification for later.
🎙️ 금강산도 식후경은 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [금강산도 시쿠경]로 소리나요 (격음화). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 금강산도 식후경이라는데 일단 점심부터 먹고 구경하자.
Geumgang-sando sikhugyeong-iraneunde ildan jeomsim-buteo meokgo gugyeong haja.
They say even Mount Geumgang is best seen after eating, so let's eat lunch first and then look around.
💡 Used by friends proposing to eat before starting an activity. - 금강산도 식후경이니 배를 채우고 출발합시다.
Geumgang-sando sikhugyeong-ini baereul chaeugo chulbal-hapsida.
Since viewing Mount Geumgang comes after a meal, let's fill our stomachs before setting off.
💡 Used in a slightly more formal suggestion to eat first. - 금강산도 식후경이라, 금강산 구경도 먹은 후에야 한다.
Geumgang-sando sikhugyeong-ira, Geumgang-san gugyeong-do meogeun hueya handa.
Mount Geumgang is best after eating; even sightseeing there happens after a meal.
💡 Used to introduce a traditional proverb about prioritizing food.
Related words in Culture & Language
구수한 gu-su-han국밥 guk-bap국수를 먹다 Guksureul meokda군필 gun-pil귀가 가렵다 Gwiga garyeopda