7 Famous Korean Myths and Monsters You've Never Heard Of

Introduction

Korean monsters, ghosts, and legends are a part of Korea. They have a long history and if you're aware of K-dramas, then you might even have come across stories that portray these monsters and legends beautifully, paired with a story that's crafted with much thought and care. 

However, while K-dramas may have shown its monsters in handsome and beautiful forms, they may be different from what the true legends speak of--and maybe not so pretty-looking either. 

In this article, we're going to cover some interesting Korean monsters that you may or may not have heard of. Keep reading to learn more!

 

1. Ungnyeo (웅녀) - Bear Woman

The story of Ungnyeo is quite fascinating and is tied up with how the nation of Korea (Joseon) was found. The tale begins with a tiger and a bear (Ungnyeo) living together in a cave. One day, they pray to become human to the divine king Hwanung. 

Hwanung hears the tiger and bear's prayers and gives them twenty cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort (a perennial plant) and orders them to stay out of the sunlight and eat only the food he has given them for one hundred days. 

However, after roughly twenty days, the tiger couldn't tolerate his hunger anymore and soon after leaves the cave. But the bear stays, and after twenty-one days, she transforms into a woman, taking the name of Ungnyeo (Bear Woman).

Although Ungnyeo was happy that she was now a human and made offerings to Hwanung, she became depressed because she didn't have a husband. She prays to have a child and Hwanung, upon hearing Ungnyeo's prayers, becomes deeply moved and he himself transforms into a human and marries Ungnyeo. Hwanung and Ungnyeo soon give birth to a son named Dangun.

Dangun was known as the first human prince of the land and growing up, he establishes his own kingdom--the first kingdom on the Korean Peninsula formerly known as Gojoseon (now Joseon) in 2333 BCE.

*The Go in Gojoseon means 'ancient' and is used in historiography to identify the kingdom from the Joseon dynasty which was founded in 1392 CE. 

2. Samjok-O (삼족오)

Samjok-O is a Korean mythology and was considered a symbol of the sun during the Goguryo Kingdom period. The ancient Goguryo people thought that a three-legged crow lived in the sun. It was also recognized to be a symbol of power and was deemed superior to both the Korean bonghwang (phoenix) and the dragon.

 

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3. Bulgae (불 개) - Fire Dogs

In Korean mythology, Bulgae are fire dogs and they come from the kingdom of darkness also known as Gamangnara, the Dark World. The story starts with the king of the Dark World being tired with the darkness. He wanted the light of the Sun and Moon for his kingdom. 

So, he sent one of the huge, fiery dogs, the Bulgae (belonging to one of his subjects) to chase the Sun and bring it to the Dark World. But when the Bulgae attempted to bite the hot Sun, it made it difficult for him to hold onto it and eventually, he gave up, running back to the Dark World King.

The Dark World King was upset because he didn't have the Sun. But that didn't stop him from sending another Bulgae--a more vicious dog--to steal the Moon. When the second Bulgae tried to get carry the Moon in its mouth, the Moon was cold and the Bulgae's mouth had frozen, causing him to drop the Moon. Although the Bulgae tried several times and several ways to grab the Moon, it couldn't do it. Unfortunately, it gave up and ran back to the Dark World King. 

The King didn't want to give up. He continued to send his Bulage's that were stronger and more ferocious than the last ones. However, none of them were able to bring him the Sun and the Moon. 

It's said that the solar and lunar eclipses are the Bulgae's attempting to bite the Sun and the Moon. When the eclipses are over, that's when the Bulage's had given up and ran back to the Dark World King. 

4. Jeosung Saja (저승사자) - Korean Grim Reaper

If you've seen the K-Drama, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, then you must know what or who a Jeosung Saja is. Jeosung Saja or Netherworld Emissary, is a devout Grim Reaper who guides the dead--either good or bad--into the afterlife along the Hwangcheon Road. He is usually portrayed as a human male in a black Korean traditional dress known as hanbok. Known to be stern and pitiless, Grim Reaper works under the command of King Yeomna, the fifth of the ten kings of the underworld. 

5. Daltokki (달토끼) - Moon Rabbit

You may have heard several instances of the Legend of the Moon Rabbit. This folktale that stemmed from Buddhist influence is shared around the time of Chuseok, Korean Harvest Festival. 

Once upon a time, there lived a rabbit, a fox, and a monkey who frequently played together. One day, to test the animals' loyalty to him, the Great Emperor in the Heavens disguised himself as a beggar and came down from the sky. He asked each of the animals to bring him something to eat. 

The three animals who were known to be generous, promptly left out to feed the beggar. The fox came back with a fish, and the monkey with some fruit. However, because the rabbit was small, he was only able to gather some grass for the beggar. 

The rabbit felt horrible as his offering was far less than that of his friends. So, he decided to sacrifice himself. He lit up the grass he had gathered and threw himself into the fire so that the beggar could eat. 

The rabbit's sacrifice touched the disguised emperor and hence, he drew the likeness of the rabbit on the Moon for everyone to see, and even surrounded him with smoke as a reminder about the rabbit's noble death.

6. Haetae (해태) - Lion Creature

The Haetae (sometimes known as Haechi) is a Korean mythological horned goat-like beast that was believed to know the right from wrong and helped bring justice to innocent people. Many South Koreans believe that the Haetae is the guardian against fires and other natural disasters. Since Haetae was known from the time of the Joseon Dynasty, you can find Haetae embroidered on many of the officials gowns. 

Surprisingly, you can come across the statues of Haetae all across South Korea–especially in Seoul in places like subway stations, palaces, museums, and even parks. 

7. Yong/Ryong/Mireu (용/룡 (미르)  - Dragons

Korean mythology isn’t complete without Dragons. Dragons in Korean mythology and folklore are benevolent creatures that are related to water and agriculture. They are considered to bring rain and clouds, which is why many Korean dragons are known to live near rivers, lakes and oceans.

While the Korean dragon is similar to Chinese and Japanese dragons, it differs slightly from the Chinese dragon because it has a longer beard.

The dragons reportedly have 81 (9x9) scales on their backs; the number 9 being auspicious and very important in Korea. The 81 scales represent the yang essence. In fact, occasionally, the dragon may be seen holding a giant orb, the Cintamini–known as yeouiju (여의주) in its claws or its mouth. There’s more to the Cintamani that meets the eye though. 

It’s said that whoever could wield the yeouiji would be blessed with the abilities like no other. They would be omnipotent and could create anything at will. However, unlike the three-toed dragons, only the four-toed dragons (those who can actually carry the orb) were wise and strong enough to wield these orbs.

Speaking of three-toed dragons, the Korean mythology reports that most dragons were first imugis (lesser dragons) and they looked giant serpents. Koreans thought that an imugi could turn into a yong/mireu – a true dragon– if it caught a Yeouiji which had fallen from heaven. 

In another narration, it’s stated that they hornless creatures that resemble cursed dragons, and hence were unable to become dragons. And in another account, an imugi is a proto-dragon that must survive for one thousand years before it could become a true dragon. 

However, through the many texts, it’s known that these dragons are large, python-like dragons that live under water or inside caves. They are also known to bring good luck if you ever spot one. 

There are a few more types of dragons such as the Gangcheori which is a venomous dragon that lives in lakes or swamps, emitting a strong heat that causes drought, destroys moisture, and brings storms and lightning to ruin agriculture, and Korean cockatrice or gyeryong (chicken-dragon) which is a chariot-pulling beast for significant legendary figures or their parents.

Conclusion

Korean mythology is rich with fascinating monsters and legends that have shaped the country's cultural identity. From the origin story of Korea involving Ungnyeo the Bear Woman, to Samjok-O and fire-chasing Bulgae, these tales reflect the creativity and beliefs of ancient Koreans.

Figures like the Jeosung Saja (Grim Reaper) and Daltokki (Moon Rabbit) continue to influence modern Korean storytelling, while creatures like the Haetae and different dragon types represent the complexity of Korean folklore. These myths and monsters not only entertain but also provide insights into Korean history, values, and worldview, demonstrating the enduring power of storytelling in Korean culture.

Image Sources

https://www.reddit.com/r/Art/comments/bs8d4g/%EC%9B%85%EB%85%80_ungnyeo_the_bear_woman_me_digital_2019/

https://soundcloud.com/pest-mask/gofperiquiz1

https://powerlisting.fandom.com/wiki/Bul-Gae_Physiology

https://aminoapps.com/c/korean-language/page/blog/korean-folklore-characters-the-joseung-saja-grim-reapers/vdYW_wDwhnu1DYJ6nJXkmjmJm4NJ2XpJGKG

https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43654991/

https://aminoapps.com/c/mythology/page/blog/korean-dragon-yong-ryong-mireu-yong-ryong-mireu/pabQ_anhQuE3evZgeQqZ2wDMzoKzjxq2xk

https://mythologyplanet.com/haetae-korean-mythology/

 

Author: Aaliyah