Korean Mythical Creatures 2
Korean Mythical Creatures
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There is a variety of mythical creatures associated with Korean culture.
Haetae
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According to Korean records, Haetae’s body is shaped like a lion and it has a horn on its forehead. It has a bell in its neck,and its body is covered with scales.It lives in the frontier areas of Manchuria. In ancient Korea, Haetae sculptures were used in architecture during the early Joseon dynasty, as their image was trusted to be able to protect Hanyang (now Seoul) from natural disasters and to give law and order among the populace. Seoul city has officially used Haechi (origin of Haetae) as the symbol of Seoul since 2009.
Imugi
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Korean folk mythology states that most dragons were originally lesser dragons (imugis or imoogis), which were said to resemble gigantic serpents. There are a few different versions of Korean folklore that describe what imugis are & how they aspire to become full fledged dragons. Koreans thought that an Imugi could become a true dragon, or yong/mireu, if it caught a Yeouiju which had fallen from heaven. Another explanation states they are hornless creatures resembling dragons, who have been cursed and thus were unable to become dragons. By other accounts, an Imugi is a proto-dragon which must survive one thousand years in order to become a fully fledged dragon. In either case they are said to be large, benevolent, python-like creatures that live in water or caves. Their sighting is associated with good luck. In the 21st-century Korean film titled D-War, two Imugi were seen, of which one was benevolent & the other evil, were seen competing for possession of a source of power (the Yeouiju) by which one of them could become a dragon.
Dragon
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Dragons in Korean mythology are mostly viewed as benevolent beings related to water and agriculture, often considered bringers of rain & clouds. Many Korean dragons are said to have resided in rivers, lakes, oceans, or even deep ponds within mountains. The symbol of the dragon has been used extensively, in Korean mythology & ancient Korean art. Ancient texts sometimes mention sentient speaking dragons, capable of understanding such complex emotions such as devotion, kindness, & 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 was said to have certain specific traits, & developed a long beard. Occasionally a dragon may be depicted as carrying a dragon orb known as the Yeouiju in one or more of its claws or in its mouth. Modeled after the mythical Cintamani jewel or pearl, it was said that whoever could wield the Yeouiju was blessed with the abilities of omnipotence & creation at will, & that only four-toed dragons (who had thumbs with which to hold the orbs) were wise and powerful enough to wield these orbs, as opposed to the lesser, three-toed dragons.
Girin
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Girin (기린) is the Korean unicorn & is also the Korean word for giraffe. It closely resembles the Chinese Qilin & Japanese Kirin which are similar versions the beast. It is described as a maned creature with the torso of a deer, an ox tail with the hooves of a horse. The Girin in Korean art were initially depicted as more deer-like, however over time they have transformed into more horse-like. They were one of the four divine creatures along with the dragon, phoenix & turtle. Girin were extensively used in Korean royal and buddhist arts. In the cartoon Adventure Time, one of the characters is a rainbow unicorn that speaks Korean. She is named Lady Rainicorn, & is likely a modified version of a Girin.
Kumiho
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In Korean culture the nine-tailed fox (kumiho or gumiho) is a predominantly malevolent being. A fox that lives for one thousand years can become a kumiho, & it often takes the form of a beautiful young woman to seduce men in order to eat their flesh: usually the liver, although the heart is also a target at times. Some tales say that under certain circumstances a kumiho can become human, & the circumstances can vary from eating 1000 men’s livers to refraining from killing & eating humans for 1000 days. The kumiho originates from the ancient Chinese myths & therefore shares similarities to the Chinese huli jing & the Japanese kitsune.
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