Meaning
Describes a situation where difficulties or problems continuously increase.
Cultural Background
Mountains are seen as spiritual entities. Climbing them is a metaphor for life's struggles and the 'Han' (deep sorrow/resilience) of the Korean people. Mt. Tai ({태산|泰山}) is the most sacred mountain in China. It represents stability and greatness, but in this proverb, it represents an insurmountable wall. In the fast-paced 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture of Korea, this phrase is often used to vent frustration about 'scope creep' in projects. This phrase is a staple in dramas where the protagonist faces endless hardships (the 'Cinderella' or 'Underdog' stories).
Use with a sigh
To sound more native, say this with a long exhale to show you are tired of the situation.
Avoid positive contexts
Never say this when things are getting better, or people will think you are being sarcastic or ungrateful.
Meaning
Describes a situation where difficulties or problems continuously increase.
Use with a sigh
To sound more native, say this with a long exhale to show you are tired of the situation.
Avoid positive contexts
Never say this when things are getting better, or people will think you are being sarcastic or ungrateful.
Combine with -네(요)
Ending with -네(요) makes it sound like a genuine realization of the difficulty, which is very natural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to complete the proverb.
처음에는 쉬운 줄 알았는데, 하면 할수록 갈수록 ( )이네요.
The correct word is {태산|泰山} (Mt. Tai), representing a huge obstacle.
Which situation best fits the phrase '갈수록 {태산|泰山}'?
Choose the best situation:
This phrase is only for negative situations that get worse.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 컴퓨터가 고장 나서 고치려고 했는데, 이제는 아예 안 켜져요. B: 아이고, ( ).
B is reacting to A's escalating problem with the computer.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises처음에는 쉬운 줄 알았는데, 하면 할수록 갈수록 ( )이네요.
The correct word is {태산|泰山} (Mt. Tai), representing a huge obstacle.
Choose the best situation:
This phrase is only for negative situations that get worse.
A: 컴퓨터가 고장 나서 고치려고 했는데, 이제는 아예 안 켜져요. B: 아이고, ( ).
B is reacting to A's escalating problem with the computer.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is a real mountain in China that has been culturally significant in East Asia for thousands of years.
Yes, it's a neutral proverb. However, use the formal '-입니다' or '-이네요' endings.
'산 넘어 산' implies you finished one problem and another appeared. '갈수록 {태산|泰山}' implies the problem you are currently facing is getting bigger.
No, it is a traditional proverb, but it is used very frequently in modern daily life.
No, the phrase is fixed. You cannot change 'mountain' to 'ocean' or any other word.
You would say '갈수록 쉬워져요.' There isn't a specific proverb that is the direct opposite.
Yes, this is a common proverb used across the entire Korean peninsula.
Only if that person is causing you escalating problems, but it's more common for situations.
Not at all! It can be about health, relationships, travel, or even a video game level.
It is usually introduced at the A2/B1 level as it involves the '-(으)ㄹ수록' grammar.
Related Phrases
산 넘어 산
synonymMountain after mountain
설상가상
similarFrost on top of snow
엎친 데 덮친 격
similarBeing knocked down and then covered
금상첨화
contrastAdding flowers to silk
