A sensitive, weepy Korean princess refuses to marry according to her status and is then banished from the palace and ostracized from her royal family. With no place to go, she is drawn by her pity to a poor beggar boy named Pabo Ondal. Through her encouragement and support, he matures to become a scholar and skilled horseman. Over time she learns to love him for his intelligence, determination, and natural ability to learn. The royal family finally accepts Pabo and approves of him as their son-in-law.