Korean folklore is alive with fascinating characters both 'human' and animal. Here's a brief guide to identifying them.
Dokkaebi
Also known as "Korean goblins", these are legendary creatures from both Korean mythology and folklore. Dokkaebi are nature deities or spirits possessing extraordinary powers and abilities that are used to interact with humans, at times playing tricks on them and at times helping them. Legends describe different dokkaebi in many forms, and dokkaebi often wear hanbok, the Korean national dress.
Dokkaebi are different from ghosts, called gwisin in Korean, in that they are not created by the death of a human being, but rather by the spiritual possession of an inanimate object such as old discarded household tools like brooms, or objects stained with human blood.
Different versions of the dokkaebi mythology assign different attributes to them. In some cases, they are considered harmless but nevertheless mischievous, usually playing pranks on people or challenging wayward travellers to a ssireum (Korean wrestling) match for the right to pass. Dokkaebi are extremely skilled at wrestling and cannot be beaten unless their right side is exploited. In other tales, dokkaebi only have one leg, so one should hook their leg and push them to win.
Dokkaebi possess magical items, such as the dokkaebi hat called the dokkaebi gamut, which makes the wearer invisible, and the dokkaebi magic club called the dokkaebi bangmangi which can summon things and act functionally as a magic wand.
Dokkaebi have immense supernatural powers, can bring good harvests, big catches and great fortunes to humans, and are defenders against evil spirits. Rituals are held to appeal to dokkaebi to bring these benefit to humans but some communities hold rituals to chase away dokkaebi, who are thought to be the causes of fires and contagious diseases.
Also known as "Korean goblins", these are legendary creatures from both Korean mythology and folklore. Dokkaebi are nature deities or spirits possessing extraordinary powers and abilities that are used to interact with humans, at times playing tricks on them and at times helping them. Legends describe different dokkaebi in many forms, and dokkaebi often wear hanbok, the Korean national dress.
Dokkaebi are different from ghosts, called gwisin in Korean, in that they are not created by the death of a human being, but rather by the spiritual possession of an inanimate object such as old discarded household tools like brooms, or objects stained with human blood.
Different versions of the dokkaebi mythology assign different attributes to them. In some cases, they are considered harmless but nevertheless mischievous, usually playing pranks on people or challenging wayward travellers to a ssireum (Korean wrestling) match for the right to pass. Dokkaebi are extremely skilled at wrestling and cannot be beaten unless their right side is exploited. In other tales, dokkaebi only have one leg, so one should hook their leg and push them to win.
Dokkaebi possess magical items, such as the dokkaebi hat called the dokkaebi gamut, which makes the wearer invisible, and the dokkaebi magic club called the dokkaebi bangmangi which can summon things and act functionally as a magic wand.
Dokkaebi have immense supernatural powers, can bring good harvests, big catches and great fortunes to humans, and are defenders against evil spirits. Rituals are held to appeal to dokkaebi to bring these benefit to humans but some communities hold rituals to chase away dokkaebi, who are thought to be the causes of fires and contagious diseases.
Gwishin
Gwishin are a type of spirit or ghost in Korean folklore. They are are people who have died and may be found in many places, but most commonly in abandoned buildings, houses, cemeteries, forests, and schools.
When a person dies without completing something that they must do, for example taking revenge for their families, wives getting even with husbands who cheated on them, murder victims wanting justice or just wanting to stay longer with their family, their spirits remain on earth to complete the task before going on to the underworld.
To become a Gwisin, the person must have a very strong urge to stay, or they will have to transition to the underworld. However, very strong gwisin do not go to the underground world if they want to remain on earth, and over time these gain additional strength.
Gwisin are usually transparent, legless and float in mid-air. Female Gwisin usually wear white Hanbok which are worn for funerals. They have long, drooping black hair and sometimes they are faceless, depending on their personality. Male Gwisin are somewhat rare.
Depending on their personality and attitude, their strength and maliciousness can vary. For example, a very calm person who was always nice in life may not harm or bother other people. They will focus on their reason for remaining. However, a very aggressive ghost can harm people, even if just by accident.
Gwisin become stronger with time and can even develop the ability to touch and control things.
Gwishin are a type of spirit or ghost in Korean folklore. They are are people who have died and may be found in many places, but most commonly in abandoned buildings, houses, cemeteries, forests, and schools.
When a person dies without completing something that they must do, for example taking revenge for their families, wives getting even with husbands who cheated on them, murder victims wanting justice or just wanting to stay longer with their family, their spirits remain on earth to complete the task before going on to the underworld.
To become a Gwisin, the person must have a very strong urge to stay, or they will have to transition to the underworld. However, very strong gwisin do not go to the underground world if they want to remain on earth, and over time these gain additional strength.
Gwisin are usually transparent, legless and float in mid-air. Female Gwisin usually wear white Hanbok which are worn for funerals. They have long, drooping black hair and sometimes they are faceless, depending on their personality. Male Gwisin are somewhat rare.
Depending on their personality and attitude, their strength and maliciousness can vary. For example, a very calm person who was always nice in life may not harm or bother other people. They will focus on their reason for remaining. However, a very aggressive ghost can harm people, even if just by accident.
Gwisin become stronger with time and can even develop the ability to touch and control things.
Joseung
In Korea the Grim Reaper is known as Joseung. The difference with this Grim Reaper is in appearance and his role. Many cultures view Grim reapers as evil or even the ones killing people. Korean Reapers are beings whose job it is to guide newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Their role is not to judge or kill a soul but simply to guide them.
It is believed that Reapers work under Yunma the King of Hell. They often appear to people before their time of death or someone else’s and are often seen outside places where lots of deaths have occurred, such as hospitals, cemeteries and places where large accidents happened. They are completely devoted to their jobs and cannot be reasoned with or bribed. They will pursue their quarry relentlessly until it is their time to die then they guide the souls along the road to the afterlife, Hwangcheon Road. It is believed that dreaming of them is a bad omen.
Their appearance is of a human man but usually with pale skin and sunken eyes, even sometimes not having any. They wear black flowing hanbok and a large brimmed black Gat, the clothing worn by Korean wealthy men and scholars in the Joseon dynasty, often brandishing weapons or religious messages on pieces of wood which they use to finish souls who attempt to escape them, however, escaping from a Reaper is impossible as they cannot be swayed once put onto the job. They are shown as stern and unforgiving, brutally honest and with unending perseverance which is why in most modern Korean cinema Reapers are shown as diligent office workers.
In Korea the Grim Reaper is known as Joseung. The difference with this Grim Reaper is in appearance and his role. Many cultures view Grim reapers as evil or even the ones killing people. Korean Reapers are beings whose job it is to guide newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Their role is not to judge or kill a soul but simply to guide them.
It is believed that Reapers work under Yunma the King of Hell. They often appear to people before their time of death or someone else’s and are often seen outside places where lots of deaths have occurred, such as hospitals, cemeteries and places where large accidents happened. They are completely devoted to their jobs and cannot be reasoned with or bribed. They will pursue their quarry relentlessly until it is their time to die then they guide the souls along the road to the afterlife, Hwangcheon Road. It is believed that dreaming of them is a bad omen.
Their appearance is of a human man but usually with pale skin and sunken eyes, even sometimes not having any. They wear black flowing hanbok and a large brimmed black Gat, the clothing worn by Korean wealthy men and scholars in the Joseon dynasty, often brandishing weapons or religious messages on pieces of wood which they use to finish souls who attempt to escape them, however, escaping from a Reaper is impossible as they cannot be swayed once put onto the job. They are shown as stern and unforgiving, brutally honest and with unending perseverance which is why in most modern Korean cinema Reapers are shown as diligent office workers.
Kumiho
A kumiho, the nine-tailed fox is a creature that appears often in the tales and legends of Korea. Originating in Chinese myths dating back centuries before being introduced to Korean mythology, the Korean kumiho shares many similarities to the Chinese huli jing and the Japanese kitsune. All explain fox spirits as being the result of great longevity or the accumulation of energy, said to be foxes who have lived for a thousand years. This gives them the power of shapeshifting, usually appearing in the guise of a woman. However, while huli jing and kitsune are often depicted with ambiguous moral compasses, possibly good or bad, the kumiho is almost always treated as a malignant figure who feasts on human flesh usually seducing boys and young men in order to, eat their liver or heart .
It is unclear at which point in time Koreans began viewing the kumiho as a purely evil creature, since many ancient texts of the Chinese mention the benevolent kumiho assisting humans (and even make mentions of wicked humans tricking kind but naïve kumiho).
The fairy tale The Fox Sister depicts a fox spirit preying on a family for their livers. However, according to Gyuwon Sahwa, kumiho is described as an auspicious fox spirit with a book in its mouth. Considering the text is thought to be written in 1675, some speculate that the modern violent image of kumiho is influenced during the Japanese occupation in Korea.
The most distinctive feature that separates the kumiho from its two Chinese and Japanese counterparts is the existence of a 'yeowoo guseul', literally meaning “fox marble/bead” which is said to consist of knowledge. According to Korean mythology, the yeowoo guseul provides power to the kumiho, and bestows knowledge and intelligence to humans if they can steal and swallow one. The kumiho can absorb humans' energy with it.
The kumiho sends the yeowoo guseul into people's mouths and then retakes it with their tongues. If that person swallows the yeowoo guseul, however, and then observes "sky, land, and people", each observation gives the observer preternatural knowledge.
Some tales say that if a kumiho abstains from killing and eating humans for a thousand days, it can become human.
A kumiho, the nine-tailed fox is a creature that appears often in the tales and legends of Korea. Originating in Chinese myths dating back centuries before being introduced to Korean mythology, the Korean kumiho shares many similarities to the Chinese huli jing and the Japanese kitsune. All explain fox spirits as being the result of great longevity or the accumulation of energy, said to be foxes who have lived for a thousand years. This gives them the power of shapeshifting, usually appearing in the guise of a woman. However, while huli jing and kitsune are often depicted with ambiguous moral compasses, possibly good or bad, the kumiho is almost always treated as a malignant figure who feasts on human flesh usually seducing boys and young men in order to, eat their liver or heart .
It is unclear at which point in time Koreans began viewing the kumiho as a purely evil creature, since many ancient texts of the Chinese mention the benevolent kumiho assisting humans (and even make mentions of wicked humans tricking kind but naïve kumiho).
The fairy tale The Fox Sister depicts a fox spirit preying on a family for their livers. However, according to Gyuwon Sahwa, kumiho is described as an auspicious fox spirit with a book in its mouth. Considering the text is thought to be written in 1675, some speculate that the modern violent image of kumiho is influenced during the Japanese occupation in Korea.
The most distinctive feature that separates the kumiho from its two Chinese and Japanese counterparts is the existence of a 'yeowoo guseul', literally meaning “fox marble/bead” which is said to consist of knowledge. According to Korean mythology, the yeowoo guseul provides power to the kumiho, and bestows knowledge and intelligence to humans if they can steal and swallow one. The kumiho can absorb humans' energy with it.
The kumiho sends the yeowoo guseul into people's mouths and then retakes it with their tongues. If that person swallows the yeowoo guseul, however, and then observes "sky, land, and people", each observation gives the observer preternatural knowledge.
Some tales say that if a kumiho abstains from killing and eating humans for a thousand days, it can become human.
Korean dragons
Whereas most dragons in European mythology are linked to the elements of fire and destruction, dragons in Korean mythology are primarily benevolent beings related to water and agriculture, often considered bringers of rain and clouds. Hence, many Korean dragons are said to have resided in rivers, lakes, oceans, or even deep mountain ponds.
The symbol of the dragon has been used extensively in Korean culture, both in Korean mythology and ancient Korean art.
Ancient texts sometimes mention sentient speaking dragons, capable of understanding complex emotions such as devotion, kindness, and gratitude. One particular Korean legend speaks of the great King Munmu, who on his deathbed wished to become a "Dragon of the East Sea in order to protect Korea".
The Korean dragon is in many ways very similar in appearance to other East Asian dragons such as the Chinese and Japanese dragons. It differs from the Chinese dragon in that it developed a longer beard and has four claws.
Very occasionally a dragon may be depicted as carrying in its claws or its mouth an orb known as the yeouiju, the Korean name for the mythical Cintamani, a wish-fulfilling jewel in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, said by some to be the equivalent of the philosopher's stone in Western alchemy.
. It was said that whoever could wield the yeouiju was blessed with the abilities of omnipotence and creation at will, and that only four-toed dragons (who had thumbs with which to hold the orbs) were both wise and powerful enough to wield these orbs, as opposed to the lesser, three-toed dragons.
As with China, the number nine is significant and auspicious in Korea, and dragons were said to have 81 (9×9) scales on their backs, representing yang essence.
Whereas most dragons in European mythology are linked to the elements of fire and destruction, dragons in Korean mythology are primarily benevolent beings related to water and agriculture, often considered bringers of rain and clouds. Hence, many Korean dragons are said to have resided in rivers, lakes, oceans, or even deep mountain ponds.
The symbol of the dragon has been used extensively in Korean culture, both in Korean mythology and ancient Korean art.
Ancient texts sometimes mention sentient speaking dragons, capable of understanding complex emotions such as devotion, kindness, and gratitude. One particular Korean legend speaks of the great King Munmu, who on his deathbed wished to become a "Dragon of the East Sea in order to protect Korea".
The Korean dragon is in many ways very similar in appearance to other East Asian dragons such as the Chinese and Japanese dragons. It differs from the Chinese dragon in that it developed a longer beard and has four claws.
Very occasionally a dragon may be depicted as carrying in its claws or its mouth an orb known as the yeouiju, the Korean name for the mythical Cintamani, a wish-fulfilling jewel in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, said by some to be the equivalent of the philosopher's stone in Western alchemy.
. It was said that whoever could wield the yeouiju was blessed with the abilities of omnipotence and creation at will, and that only four-toed dragons (who had thumbs with which to hold the orbs) were both wise and powerful enough to wield these orbs, as opposed to the lesser, three-toed dragons.
As with China, the number nine is significant and auspicious in Korea, and dragons were said to have 81 (9×9) scales on their backs, representing yang essence.
Haetae
The Haetae, also known as Haechi, is probably something you’ll often see if you visit Seoul, and it’s been a symbol of Seoul since 2009.
Master of fire and guardian against it, the haetae is a wonderful beast of Korea. It resembles a dog with a lion's mane, quite similar to the Dogs of Fo of China, but has horns on its forehead and scales on its body.
According to Korean myth, this creature symbolises justice, and punishes wrong-doers with its horns.
It also acts as a guardian, warding off natural disasters. The belief in the Haechi as a protector was common in the Joseon era, which is why many Haechi statues were built around this time.
The haetae has many powers, including the ability to stop, go back, or fast-forward through time. This unusual creature can also bite the moon, said to be the reason for the moon's waning period.
Haetae are often seen outside and inside Korean houses, placed as powerful guardian against Earth's most destructive elements.
The Haetae, also known as Haechi, is probably something you’ll often see if you visit Seoul, and it’s been a symbol of Seoul since 2009.
Master of fire and guardian against it, the haetae is a wonderful beast of Korea. It resembles a dog with a lion's mane, quite similar to the Dogs of Fo of China, but has horns on its forehead and scales on its body.
According to Korean myth, this creature symbolises justice, and punishes wrong-doers with its horns.
It also acts as a guardian, warding off natural disasters. The belief in the Haechi as a protector was common in the Joseon era, which is why many Haechi statues were built around this time.
The haetae has many powers, including the ability to stop, go back, or fast-forward through time. This unusual creature can also bite the moon, said to be the reason for the moon's waning period.
Haetae are often seen outside and inside Korean houses, placed as powerful guardian against Earth's most destructive elements.
Samjok-o
The three-legged crow is a creature found in various mythologies of East Asia. It is believed by East Asian cultures to inhabit and represent the Sun. It has also been found figured on ancient coins from Lycia and Pamphylia. The earliest forms of the tripedal crow have been found in China.
In Korean mythology, it is known as Samjok-o . During the period of the Goguryo kingdom, the Samjok-o was considered a symbol of the sun. The ancient Goguryo people thought that a three-legged crow lived in the sun while a turtle lived in the moon.
Samjok-o was a highly regarded symbol of power, thought superior to both the dragon and the bonghwang, the Korean phoenix.
The three-legged crow is a creature found in various mythologies of East Asia. It is believed by East Asian cultures to inhabit and represent the Sun. It has also been found figured on ancient coins from Lycia and Pamphylia. The earliest forms of the tripedal crow have been found in China.
In Korean mythology, it is known as Samjok-o . During the period of the Goguryo kingdom, the Samjok-o was considered a symbol of the sun. The ancient Goguryo people thought that a three-legged crow lived in the sun while a turtle lived in the moon.
Samjok-o was a highly regarded symbol of power, thought superior to both the dragon and the bonghwang, the Korean phoenix.
Bul-Gae
The mythical Fire Dogs, Bul-Gae in Korean, are dog beasts from the kingdom of darkness that always chase the sun and moon, causing eclipses when they bite both the celestial bodies.[1]
According to the myth recorded in the Hangugui-Seolwo (Folk Myths from Korea),[1] there were many realms of heaven. One of them, the kingdom of darkness, was called Gamangnara, the Dark World. The king of Gamangnara got weary with darkness and desired the light of the sun and moon. He sent one of the gigantic fiery hounds, the Bul-Gae, belonging to one of his dark world subjects, to chase the sun and bring it to his realm. However, when the Bul-gae tried to bite the sun, the sun was too hot, burning the dog's mouth and the Bul-Gae had to let it go.
The king of darkness got angry and then sent another, more ferocious Bul-Gae to fetch the moon at least. When the Bul-Gae bit the moon, the moon was too cold, freezing the dog´s mouth and the Bul-Gae had to let it go as well, which infuriated their master.
The king continues to send his dogs, to try to fetch the light, but they always fail and run back to Gamangnara. When the Bulgae bites the sun, it is called a solar eclipse; when they bite the moon, it is a lunar eclipse.
During eclipses, the dark parts covering the sun and moon were believed to be the parts bitten and covered by the mouths of the Bul-Gae.
The mythical Fire Dogs, Bul-Gae in Korean, are dog beasts from the kingdom of darkness that always chase the sun and moon, causing eclipses when they bite both the celestial bodies.[1]
According to the myth recorded in the Hangugui-Seolwo (Folk Myths from Korea),[1] there were many realms of heaven. One of them, the kingdom of darkness, was called Gamangnara, the Dark World. The king of Gamangnara got weary with darkness and desired the light of the sun and moon. He sent one of the gigantic fiery hounds, the Bul-Gae, belonging to one of his dark world subjects, to chase the sun and bring it to his realm. However, when the Bul-gae tried to bite the sun, the sun was too hot, burning the dog's mouth and the Bul-Gae had to let it go.
The king of darkness got angry and then sent another, more ferocious Bul-Gae to fetch the moon at least. When the Bul-Gae bit the moon, the moon was too cold, freezing the dog´s mouth and the Bul-Gae had to let it go as well, which infuriated their master.
The king continues to send his dogs, to try to fetch the light, but they always fail and run back to Gamangnara. When the Bulgae bites the sun, it is called a solar eclipse; when they bite the moon, it is a lunar eclipse.
During eclipses, the dark parts covering the sun and moon were believed to be the parts bitten and covered by the mouths of the Bul-Gae.
In South Korea, in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk province, an ancient, nearly extinct breed of dog is called Bul-Gae. The name of this breed refers to its obvious resemblance of the mythical dog beasts, with its deep reddish-maroon coat and nails, amber-colored nose and amber-colored eyes.
In the 1990s, this dog breed was threatened by extinction due to the Korean dog meat cuisine. In 2012, the breed was saved from complete annihilation by the efforts of Dongyang University, researching and rebreeding the 20 last individual dogs.
In the 1990s, this dog breed was threatened by extinction due to the Korean dog meat cuisine. In 2012, the breed was saved from complete annihilation by the efforts of Dongyang University, researching and rebreeding the 20 last individual dogs.
