Our Little Korean Cousin By H. Lee M. Pike _Illustrated by_ L.J. Bridgman Preface Until very recently little has been known of the strange land in which the subject of this tale lives. Recent events have done much to introduce Korea and its people to the world at large. For this reason the story of Yung Pak's youthful days may be the more interesting to his Western cousins. These are stirring times in Korea, and it may safely be prophesied that the little Koreans of the present day will occupy a larger place in the world's history than have their fathers and grandfathers. Their bright eyes are now turned toward the light, and, under the uplifting influences of education and civilization, the old superstitions and antique customs are bound to give way. Some famous Americans and Englishmen have had no small part in letting in the light upon this dark nation, and in years to come, when Korea shall have attained to the full stature of national strength, the names of Rodgers, Blake, Kimberly, and many others will be held in high esteem by the people of that country. This little volume gives just a glimpse into the mode of life, the habits and customs, the traditions and superstitions, of the Koreans. If it awakens an interest in the minds of its young readers, and inspires them with a desire for further knowledge of their cousins in this far Eastern land, its purpose will be well served. Contents CHAPTER I. SOME QUEER THINGS II. YUNG PAK'S HOME III. A GLIMPSE OF THE KING IV. YUNG PAK AT SCHOOL V. A LESSON IN HISTORY VI. THE MONK'S STORY VII. A JOURNEY VIII. THE MONASTERY AT CHANG-AN-SA IX. A FULL-FLEDGED TOP-KNOT List of Illustrations YUNG PAK A STREET IN SEOUL "ALL THE BOYS SIT UPON THE FLOOR" "HE MUST DROP TO HIS KNEES AND MAKE A PROFOUND SALUTE" "ON THE UPPER PART OF EACH OF THESE POSTS WAS A RUDE CARVING" "THE DAY WAS PASSED IN MUCH THE SAME MANNER AS THE PRECEDING ONE" OUR LITTLE KOREAN COUSIN CHAPTER I. SOME QUEER THINGS Yung Pak was the very queer name of a queer little boy who lived in a queer house in a queer city. This boy was peculiar in his looks, his talk was in a strange tongue, his clothes were odd in colour and fit, his shoes were unlike ours, and everything about him would seem to you very unusual in appearance. But the most wonderful thing of all was that he did not think he was a bit queer, and if he should see one of you in your home, or at school, or at play, he would open wide his slant eyes with wonder at your peculiar ways and dress. The name of the country in which this little boy lived is Korea. One thing about Yung Pak, though, was just like little boys everywhere. When he first came to his home in the Korean city, a little bit of a baby, his father and mother were very, very glad to see him. Your father and mother gave you no warmer welcome than the parents of this little Korean baby gave to him.