Korean Mythology Creatures and Spirits

The Korean people have accumulated rich cultural traditions through folklore and mythology, which reflect their history, beliefs, and values. Often, these stories tell of gods, spirits, and mythical creatures that explain natural phenomena, moral lessons, and the origin of Korean culture.

1) Dokkaebi- Dokkaebi are supernatural creatures often described as goblins or spirits. They are known for their playful, mischievous, and benevolent nature. They have shape-shifting abilities and invisibility.  They are portrayed as tricksters who challenge humans and reward those who overcome their obstacles. 

2) Haechi- Haechi, also known as haetae, is a Korean mythical creature in Korean folklore. It is depicted as a lion-like figure with horns on its forehead and dragon characteristics. It is a symbol of protection and justice, and holds significant cultural and historical importance in Korea. It is a guardian figure believed to protect against evil spirits, misfortune, and a symbol of security. 

3) Imugi- Imugi is a legendary creature often depicted as a serpent-like creature. They do not breathe fire but are water creatures. They inhabit rivers, lakes, and aspire to become dragons. They strive for wisdom and power. They are the guardians of water sources.  They bring rain and good harvests. They must overcome many hard challenges and live for one thousand years to become a full dragon. 

4) Gumiho- Gumiho, also known as the nine-tailed fox, is a prominent figure in Korean folklore. It is depicted as a beautiful woman with the ability to transform into a fox. It is associated with magic, cunning, wisdom, and duality. In stories, many desire to be human and can turn human only by not eating any human flesh for 1,000 days. They are often linked to Kumiho, who are beautiful and charming. They use seduction to eat the hearts and flesh of men to fill their insatiable hunger, but have no desire to be human. 

5) Gwisin- A gwisin refers to a spirit or ghost often associated with the souls of the deceased. The term "gwisin" often refers to those who died under tragic circumstances or have unfinished business in the mortal world. They are depicted as pale, ethereal figures in a white robe or hanbok. Notable gwisin are Cheonyeo Gwisin, a virgin ghost depicted as a young woman who died before marriage. Chochung Gwisin, a ghost who died tragically, often seeks revenge or closure. Sangyeo Gwisin, a ghost associated with funerals who appears during mourning rituals. Gwisins are rooted in Korean beliefs about the afterlife. They are often manifestations of unresolved emotions, grief, anger, or longing. They highlight the importance of honoring ancestors and justice. 

Sources:

Toyryla, L. (2022, February 10). Korean myths - The Legends and Folktales in the Peninsula. 90 Day Korean®. https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-myths/

‌Prado, J. D. (2025, May 3). 12 Korean Myths And Legends Everyone Learning Korean Should Know. The Blog for Language Lovers | Lingopie.com. https://lingopie.com/blog/korean-myths/

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