Skip to content
A1 KoreanBilingual Reader

익선동의 우산 하나

In the afternoon, Jisoo leaves a stationery shop in an Ikseon-dong alley. Rain suddenly pours down, drumming loudly on the tiled roofs.

Jisoo and her neighbor share one small yellow umbrella through a rain-soaked Ikseon-dong alley.

What you'll learn

  • Bilingual graded story
  • English translation
  • 7 useful words
  • 2 comprehension questions

Warm-up vocabulary

Preview 3 optional words before reading
우산이 없어요
I do not have an umbrella
“오늘은 우산이 없어요.”
같이 갈까요?
shall we go together?
“역까지 같이 갈까요?”
들어 줄게요
I will hold it for you
“가방을 들어 줄게요.”

Your Korean story

Tap highlighted words when you need help

Story + translation + quiz

오후에 지수는 익선동 골목의 나와요. 갑자기 비가 내려서 크게 두드려요. 지수는 종이 봉투는 있지만 우산이 없어요. 그때 같은 건물에 사는 민호가 노란 우산을 들고 와요. 민호는 “우산은 작지만 같이 갈까요?”라고 물어요. 지수는 봉투를 “네, 제가 우산을 들어 줄게요”라고 해요. 두 사람은 천천히 걸어서 집에 도착해요.

Show full English translation

In the afternoon, Jisoo leaves a stationery shop in an Ikseon-dong alley.

Rain suddenly pours down, drumming loudly on the tiled roofs.

Jisoo has a paper bag, but she does not have an umbrella.

Just then, Minho from her building arrives with a yellow umbrella.

Minho asks, “The umbrella is small, but shall we walk together?”

Holding the bag to her chest, Jisoo says, “Yes, I’ll hold the umbrella.”

They walk slowly along the wet stone lane and make it home.

Reading Comprehension Exercise

A1 Korean Reading Comprehension Exercises

1. What is Jisoo trying to protect from the rain?

2. How does Jisoo return Minho’s help?

Nailed the quiz? Start your own story in MeloLingua →

Free story vs. the app

One story. The whole practice loop.

Reading this story for free is just the first rep. The MeloLingua app turns the same story into a full practice loop — understand every word, speak it back, build sentences, and keep stories coming that match what you actually care about.

Understand every sentence instantly

Free · This storyBilingual reader, tap to translate
MeloLingua appInteractive reader with word-by-word explanations

Know exactly why each word works

Free · This storyBasic translation in context
MeloLingua appTranslation, grammar, conjugation & usage examples

Train your ear with native audio

Free · This storyNot included
MeloLingua appListen, follow along, and shadow the narrator

Speak like a native while reading

Free · This storyRead aloud on your own
MeloLingua appReal-time pronunciation feedback

Turn what you read into what you can say

Free · This storyNot included
MeloLingua appBuild sentences from the story you just read

Never forget today's vocabulary

Free · This storyIn-story glossary + comprehension quiz
MeloLingua appFlashcards & spaced review from story lines

Read stories about your real life

Free · This storyNot included
MeloLingua appStories matched to your level and interests

Feel yourself improve every day

Free · This storyNot included
MeloLingua appStreaks, goals, and your full learning history

Result

Free · This storyEnjoy a great story
MeloLingua appActually speak with confidence
Personalized stories

Make stories aboutyour life

Most language apps hand everyone the same content. MeloLingua lets you create stories around the things you actually enjoy — so staying consistent stops feeling like homework.

  • “I love space and cooking”
    Your story

    A chef opens the first restaurant on Mars.

  • “I like football and history”
    Your story

    A young striker time-travels to play the legendary teams.

  • “I enjoy surfing and travel”
    Your story

    A surfer hunts secret waves across the world.

  • “I like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and sci-fi”
    Your story

    An astronaut enters the first intergalactic grappling tournament.

Read it. Listen to it. Speak it back. The more it sounds likeyour world, the easier it is to keep going.

Generate your first story

Make it yours

Your next Korean story can sound like your life

MeloLingua turns graded Korean stories into listening, vocabulary review, and speaking practice built from the same scene.

Join iOS waitlist

Keep reading on-site