Korean Language Education Method Utilizing Traditional Folktales Based on Pansori Novels

This paper aims to examine the issues in Korean language education that use traditional folktales based on Korean Pansori novels and suggest a direction for improving education. The three tales, “The Tale of Shim Cheong” (“Simcheongjeon”), “Heungbu and Nolbu” (“Heungbujeon”), and “The Rabbit and the Turtle” (“Tokkijeon”), are among the most frequently included works in Korean language textbooks. These three pieces, rooted in Pansori, are recognized globally for their artistic and literary value as representative forms of Korea's traditional arts and literature. However, Korean language education materials are struggling to move beyond the language-centered learning methods, unable to provide diverse Korean cultural education beyond mere introductions of Korean folktale content. If these Pansori-based tales are only treated as simple story content readings, it will be difficult to actively engage learners both in understanding Korean culture and in Korean language education. By rewriting the folktales to make them more plausible and utilizing role-plays that highlight the oral aspects of Pansori, it is possible to go beyond simple educational tools and achieve genuine Korean language and cultural education. Therefore, this paper examines the educational characteristics of traditional Korean folktales, analyses Korean language textbooks that include these folktales, and seeks a way forward towards desirable Korean language education.