거지도 부지런하면 더운 밥 얻어 먹는다

Literal Meaning

If diligent, even a beggar can get warm rice.

Usage

Used to say that diligence pays off.

Koreans used to, and many still do, get up early to make their rice for the day. If a beggar, with rice bowl in hand, starts begging early enough, he might be able to get some of this warm morning rice, but if he waits too long, the rice will cool down and, as a result, be less appetitizing.

English Equivalent

The early bird catches the worm.