The FANTASTIC Korean Mythology - Gods, Legends, and Creatures

An important deity in Korean mythology, Hwang In is often referred to as the Lord of Heaven. In particular, he is pivotal in the legend of Dangun, which describes the mythical foundation of Korea. His role as the father and ancestor of shamans is highly revered. His divine presence is recognized as the wellspring of power and wisdom that all the world's scholars seek to attain. It is believed that Hwang In descended to Earth to establish a sacred city on Mount Taibaek. The city was to serve as a divine dwelling where humans and sacred spirits could coexist harmoniously. This act was the beginning of human civilization. Hwang In worship fulfills a vital role in the religious practice of Korean communities. This system of beliefs stresses the interconnection between the spiritual and physical realms, Hwang In stands as a central figure in Korean mythology. He is frequently referred to as the Son of Heaven, because he is the son of Hwang In, the supreme deity. Hwang In voiced his desire to live on Earth among human beings, and his father granted him this permission. Together with 3,000 followers, Hwang In descended from Heaven to a sacred mountain. He established a city called Sinsi, where he took on the title of Heavenly King and introduced laws and morality to the people. He also educated human beings in medicine, metallurgy, and agriculture. On one occasion, a tigress and a bear came to Hwang In with the desire to become human. After performing a few challenges, only the bear was successful, and turned into a woman called Ungnyeo. She got married to Hwang In and gave birth to a son called Dangun, who is the mythical founder of the first Korean nation. Dangun, he is the main character in a legend that describes the mythical origin of the first Korean nation. Dangun is the son of Hwang In, the Heavenly King, and Ungnyeo, a bear who turned into a woman after fulfilling a dare given by Hwang In. Following his birth, Dangun founded the first Korean nation, called Gojoseon, allegedly in the year 2333 BC. The name Gojoseon can be translated as Old Joseon, regarded as the first Korean kingdom in traditional historiography. Dangun reigned over Gojoseon for a long time before retiring to the mountains and becoming a mortal. He is often associated with Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain on the Korean peninsula. Even if it is a mythical story, it has a strong influence on Korean culture and national identity, signifying the divine and sacred origin of the Korean people. In Korean religious and cultural tradition, Sanjin is the god of the mountain. This deity personifies the mountains, which play a significant role in the Korean landscape and spirituality. He is frequently portrayed as a wide-old man sitting on a mountain, encircled by tigers and other forest creatures. This depiction symbolizes wisdom, longevity, and the untamed nature of the mountains. Some stories say that Sanjin can transform himself into an animal, often a tiger or other mountain creature, to interact with or test humans. A common legend speaks of a monk who retreats to the mountains to meditate. After several years of rigorous practice, he has an encounter with a tiger, which may have been Sanjin himself. Rather than attacking, the tiger listens to the monk's teachings and grants him the blessing of divine wisdom. In Korean culture, Jo Wang is the goddess of the stove or goddess of the fireplace. She is a domestic deity venerated to safeguard the home and ensure the family's safety and prosperity. A fireplace or cooker was a centerpiece of traditional Korean life, not only for cooking, but also as a source of warmth during the severe winters. As the deity associated with this living space, Jo Wang plays a beneficial and protective role, ensuring that the fire remains safe and that the food cooked is nutritious and beneficial. Alongside her protective role, Jo Wang is also seen by some as an intermediary who can bring prayers or wishes to the heavenly realm. While preparing a meal, for example, someone might make a silent wish or prayer, hoping that Jo Wang will pass it on to the heavenly gods. Hainim is a Korean deity who personifies the sun. One long-standing legend tells how, a long time ago, there was a brother and sister called Hainim and Dalnim. While they were home alone one day, a menacing tiger broke into their house. Terrified, the siblings went to hide. Hainim ducked inside a large cauldron, while Dalnim crawled into a cupboard. But when the tiger reached them, it heard the children breathing and devoured Hainim, who was still in the cauldron. Meanwhile, Dalnim managed to escape by climbing into the sky on a silk thread. Guilt-stricken and saddened by her brother's death, she became the moon that lights up the night with its pale glow. When the gods later learnt of the tragedy, they brought Hainim back to life, and he became the sun that shines its radiant light during the day. Magu is an ancient and divine figure in Korean mythology, frequently referred to as the Earth Goddess or the Great Mother. She is a key figure in many stories of creation and origins in the Korean peninsula. In some contexts, Magu is seen as the progenitor of humanity and the Earth, and her stories are recounted to explain the origin of the world and the Korean people. Some versions of this story depict her as giving birth to eight daughters, who become the ancestors of different Korean tribes or regions. Magu is frequently associated with mountains, rocks, and bodies of water, mirroring the geography and landscape of the Korean peninsula. Such natural elements are seen as manifestations of her presence and might. The figure of Magu and her stories are sometimes cited as evidence of ancient matriarchal traditions in Korea. Samson Halmyoni, often translated as Triple Goddess of Birth, is a divine figure venerated in Korean tradition, especially connected to the birth and care of children. Samson Halmyoni is conventionally summoned by pregnant women and midwives to ensure a safe birth. She is the protector of pregnant women and newborn babies, and plays a role in determining a child's destiny. The name Samson implies a trinity. Some interpretations have it representing three aspects or stages of a woman's life – the virgin, the mother, and the old woman. Elsewhere it may refer to three individual goddesses, who together take care of the birth process. It was common in ancient times to have a small altar or shrine to Samson Halmyoni in Korean homes, usually found in the room where the woman would give birth. In Korean mythology, Ja Cheongbae is a deity often mentioned in love and sacrifice stories, epitomizing the idea of transcendent love between celestial and mortal beings. Ja Cheongbae was initially a celestial fairy, who resided in the heavens. While looking down on Earth one day, she spotted a handsome young scholar called Jeong, and the two fell in love at first sight. Driven by her love, Ja Cheongbae decided to come down to Earth to be reunited with him. They married and had a son. Nonetheless, Ja Cheongbae was forced to return to heaven, whilst leaving her lover and son on Earth. Ja Cheongbae's love and devotion to her husband and son never wavered, despite the separation. She would often look down at them from heaven, crying tears of sadness. Her tears, when they fell to Earth, were thought to turn into precious stones. In Korean mythology, Yong Wang is the Dragon King. He is a deity related to the seas and waters and is often called upon to ask for rain, sea protection, and water-related blessings. According to legend, in Korea, during a period of severe drought, the population suffered from a shortage of water and the crops started to die. The population turned to a great Buddhist master for help. Whilst meditating, the master had a vision of a sea god, who told him to build a seaside temple near Busan. The great master also encountered a dragon-shaped Yong Wang, who gave him a precious five-colored jade and told him to use it to build the temple, as it would bring wealth and prosperity. The drought soon ended, as promised, and the land was replenished with rain. The Dokkaebi are mythological figures in Korean culture, frequently described as goblins or mischievous spirits. They have a significant role in many legends and folk stories in Korea. The Dokkaebi are usually depicted as creatures with supernatural traits such as horns, red faces, and a mischievous personality. They can provide challenges or play pranks, and the outcome can differ depending on the reaction or behavior of the person involved. The Dokkaebi are known to wear a magical hat, called Gamtu, that gives them invisibility. This hat is often connected to their ability to magically appear and disappear. Some legends depict Dokkaebi as keepers of hidden treasures. They may offer rewards or gifts to those who manage to overcome their challenges or solve their riddles. The Haechi is a mythical creature in Korean mythology, frequently portrayed as a creature with lion, dragon, and unicorn features. This fabled figure is often associated with justice, protection, and power. The Haechi is recognized in Korean tradition as having the ability to protect against natural disasters such as fires. Haechi sculptures were often put on rooftops to ward off evil spirits and prevent calamities. The Haechi is also connected to royalty, and is often found in palaces. This mythological figure is believed to protect the throne and the ruling dynasty. Under the Joseon dynasty, the Haechi was embraced as an official symbol of the government. Haechi statues were mounted at the main entrance to the palace in Seoul, symbolizing the hope for justice and righteousness in government. The Imugi is a mythological creature in Korean mythology, often found in dragon stories. Different from a full dragon, the Imugi is pictured as an elongated serpent, usually wingless. The Imugi is frequently portrayed as a virtuous creature, striving to ascend and reach a higher state of being. Nevertheless, reaching this goal often involves facing significant challenges and overcoming obstacles. A striking feature of the Imugi in legends is its desire to turn into a real dragon. Some stories claim that an Imugi must go through several trials and challenges over the course of a thousand years to become a full dragon. Stories surrounding the Imugi frequently bear moral messages about perseverance, ambition, and one's journey towards self-realization. The Bamangi is a mythical creature in Korean mythology, frequently found in stories involving warnings and moral lessons. It resembles a man with a large bludgeon or club. This creature is usually conjured up to teach lessons about humility, modesty, and avoiding excessive pride. The story surrounding the Bamangi generally follows a pattern in which an arrogant or overconfident person encounters it on their path. The outcome is a painful or embarrassing lesson for the cocky person, serving as a reminder that excessive pride can lead to dangerous consequences. These stories often have a comic undertone, but at the same time can carry a serious message about ethics and fitting social behavior. The Nokduk is a mythical creature in Korean mythology, related to green beans. The term Nokduk means green bean, especially the shell of the green bean. The Nokduk is often seen as a good luck symbol in Korean culture. Green beans, known as Nokdu in Korean, are connected to positive feelings and are believed to have protective properties. People may use green bean ornaments, including green bean skins, as amulets to ward off evil and attract good luck during festivals or special occasions. The Nokduk and the green beans share a connection with agriculture and rituals that seek to bless abundant harvests. The Pungwolju is a mythical creature in Korean mythology, related to winds. It is often depicted as a supernatural entity, dwelling in the winds and able to influence the climate and weather conditions. According to some stories, Pungwolju's nature may vary. Sometimes it is portrayed as a benevolent entity, providing gentle and favorable winds. In other tales, especially the ones involving storms or strong winds, the Pungwolju can be seen as a more fearsome figure. The Pungwolju can be called upon or worshipped in shamanic rituals to seek protection from natural disasters such as storms. Shamans may call on Pungwolju to soothe out the winds or secure favorable weather conditions. The Gumiho is a mythical entity in Korean mythology, often depicted as a nine-tailed fox capable of transforming into a beautiful woman. Some stories claim that the Gumiho can take on different forms to attract people, often to feed on their entrails or soak up their vital energy. The Gumiho is a recurring character in many Korean legends and folktales. These stories often tap into the theme of duality, as the Gumiho can be depicted as a malevolent creature posing danger or as an entity seeking redemption and humanity. As well as the power of transformation, the Gumiho is often associated with supernatural abilities such as telepathy, energy handling, and sorcery. The Bonghwang is a mythical entity in Korean mythology, frequently associated with the phoenix. The Bonghwang is sometimes considered a symbol of renewal and regeneration. Its image is tied to the notion of rising from the ashes, representing the ability to overcome challenges and difficulties. The Bonghwang is described in Korean mythology as a colorful, majestic bird with vibrant feathers and unimposing presence. The Bonghwang is often seen associated with royalty and can be found in palace decorations, royal garments, and other cultural elements. Its presence is regarded as auspicious and symbolizes good luck. They are also associated with natural elements such as sun, fire, and water. These elements may differ depending on regional interpretation and specific traditions. In Korean mythology and folklore, the Gwisin are often depicted as souls of deceased people who have been unsuccessful in finding rest or peace. These spirits can have several reasons for lingering in the living world such as having died tragically, having left unfinished business, or having been victims of injustice. Gwisin belief is deeply rooted in Korean culture and significantly influences folktales, ghost stories, and spiritual traditions. These spirits' representations can vary in different tales and legends but often involve an element of sadness, seeking revenge, or the need to carry out certain rituals to make sure the soul finds peace. A belief in the Gwisin is also reflected in several cultural practices such as remembrance rituals and celebrations to honor deceased ancestors, especially during holidays such as Chuseok, a period devoted to remembering ancestors in Korean culture. The Kolema is a mythical creature in Korean mythology, most portrayed as a speeding winged horse. It is reputed as a divine horse that can cover long distances in a short period of time. The Kolema is often used in Korean culture as a symbol of rapid progress, remarkable achievement, and breakthrough. Some stories associate the Kolema with heroic deeds, often aiding mythological figures or heroes in overcoming challenges and achieving important goals. The Kolema is frequently featured in monuments, sculptures, and artworks. Its statues can be found in several Korean cities, highlighting its cultural importance. In North Korea, the Kolema has also been used as a political symbol during various eras to represent the country's intent for rapid advancement and dedication to production and development. During the flourishing Joseon dynasty, in the ancient province of Namwon, there lived a young and incomparably beautiful girl named Chunhyang. She was the daughter of the famous courtesan Mome, whose artistic abilities were known throughout the region. Born to a courtesan, Chunhyang nevertheless possessed a dignity and grace that surpassed her humble origins. While the cherry blossoms were gently drooping over the village one spring afternoon, Imongryong, a young student and son of the provincial magistrate, decided to scout out the surroundings. As he wandered through the bustling streets and looked at the people's daily chores, he came across the beautiful Chunhyang, who was absentmindedly seated on a swing under a large cherry tree. Mongryong was immediately captivated by her beauty and elegance. They exchanged glances and, from that moment, fate wove their lives together. During their secret meetings under the full moon, Mongryong and Chunhyang fell deeply in love and promised eternal devotion, sealing their commitment with a hidden wedding. But their happiness was disrupted when Mongryong was sent to Seoul to complete his studies for the official government tests. Heartbroken, he said goodbye to Chunhyang, promising to come back for her as soon as he became a government official. With tears in her eyes, Chunhyang swore that she would wait for him, regardless of the time or the difficulties. They parted, carrying with them only the promise and the love that bound them together. The village's peace and quiet was shaken by the arrival of the new magistrate, a sinister man known as Byun Hak-do. An ambitious and corrupt figure, Byun soon learned of Chunhyang's beauty and decided to make her his concubine. He summoned her to his court and ordered Chunhyang to obey his wishes. As Chunhyang grieved in prison, her spirit was unwavering. Her stubborn rejections became the number one topic discussed by the villagers, who admired her loyalty and courage. Even imprisoned, Chunhyang turned into a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice. Mongryong succeeded in his exams after years of strenuous study and was appointed a government official. He returned to Namwon, disguised as a commoner, to check on the state of his village and see if Chunhyang had kept her promise. When he learned of the cruelty inflicted on his sweetheart and the corruption of Byun Hak-do, Mongryong revealed his name and his authorities as a government official. Exposing the crimes of the corrupt magistrate, Byun Hak-do was overthrown and severely punished for his actions. Freed from the grip of wrongdoing, Chunhyang was reunited with her long-loved Mongryong. They renewed their vows of eternal love and joyful tears. The Namwon people rejoiced as justice was restored and true love prevailed over adversity. Chunhyang and Mongryong happily lived in Namwon province. Their names eternalize in songs and stories about commemorating virtue, loyalty, and the untamed power of true love. Chunhyang's legend continues to resonate across the centuries, reminding us of the power of the human spirit and the transformative nature of love and justice. As such, Chunhyang and Mongryong's story is handed down from generation to generation, drawing inspiration from many admirers of Korea's rich culture. Long ago, Hwanun, the divine ruler of the heavenly realms, ruled at the highest peak of the sky. Under his benevolent reign, the stars sparkled in harmony and peace reigned supreme. Hwanun stood out among Hwanun's numerous offspring, whose heart burned with one singular desire to descend to Earth and lead humans towards the light of civilization. Blessed by his father, Hwanun left the skies for Earth, escorted by a celestial entourage of 3,000 followers. They landed at the foot of the majestic Mount Taebaek, where Hwanun established his celestial capital called Sinsi, a name that means divine city, a place where the sun's rays danced in vibrant colors over the lush green mountains. Striving to accomplish his mission, Hwanun tirelessly dedicated himself to teaching humans the crafts of civilization. He taught them the art of agriculture, teaching them how to sow the seeds of life in fertile soil. He imparted the secrets of medicine, healing the sick and relieving suffering. He bestowed mortals with the knowledge of technology, enabling them to build and create wonders. But an unexpected event shattered the prevailing tranquility in Sinsi. A bear and a tiger, dwellers of the dense forest surrounding Mount Taebaek, came up to Hwanun with hopeful eyes. They begged him to turn them into humans, for they yearned to experience civilized life and its comforts. Compassionate at heart, Hwanun accepted the animal's request. They ordered the bear and tiger to withdraw to a cave deep in the forest and fast for 100 days, only eating garlic and mugwort, a plant with aromatic flowers. He promised that whoever completed the challenge would be given the desired transformation. As the days passed, while the tiger yielded to temptation and abandoned the challenge prematurely, the bear determinedly persisted. With the last sunbeam of the 100th day, the bear emerged from the cave, now transformed into a beautiful woman named Ungnyeo. She gratefully approached Hwanun and became his wife. They lived together in harmony, spreading love and wisdom among humans. Dangung, the fruit of the love between Hwanun and Ungnyeo, was born from this partnership. He grew up under his parents' loving guardianship, learning the values of honor, wisdom and compassion. When the time came, Dangung accepted his fate as the leader of the humans, founding the legendary kingdom of Joseon and uniting the peoples under a banner of peace and prosperity. The tale of Hwanun, Hwanung and Dangung continues to this day, reminding us of the journey of Korean ancestors, the importance of perseverance and kindness, and the belief that even the most implausible can achieve greatness. In ancient Korea, a king, blinded by ambition and the lust for more power, challenged a shaman's advice. The monarch's disregard for the spiritual warnings brought about an ill-fated series of events for the kingdom, which included the birth of six daughters, but no male heir to take the throne as the traditions of the times dictated. News of the seventh child also being a girl sparked the king's anger and, overwhelmed by rage, he ordered the baby to be taken away. In desperation, the queen pleaded for one final concession, to give the child a name. The baby was named Bari, which in Korean means abandoned. Put in a basket and thrown into the river, little Bari was found and sheltered by a caring elderly couple. As the years passed, Bari grew up surrounded by the warmth and wisdom of her adopters. The tale changed course when the king, struck down by a mysterious illness, was threatened with imminent death. In a prescient dream, the queen understood the tragedy affecting her family was destiny's response to the couple's rejection of their seventh daughter. Curing the sick king was up to one of his daughters, a mission that neither of the selfish princesses accepted. Meanwhile, the royal servant, thinking of Bari, went in search of her. Upon hearing the story and perceiving the urgent need, Bari agreed to set off on a journey that would take her beyond the limits of everyday life in search of the water of life. The young princess donned men's clothing to disguise herself as a man and endured countless trials, navigating through mountains and valleys at the edge of the earth until she reached the dead realm, where she roamed alone for a long time. After covering 3,000 leagues, Bari came across a traveler, who turned out to be the Buddha himself. Peering through her disguise and noticing that she was a woman, the Buddha asked if Bari could really travel 3,000 more leagues. When she answered that she would continue her journey even if she died, the Buddha gave her a silk flower with the miracle working power. Bari decided to use it to free hundreds of millions of dead souls who were wrongfully imprisoned in an imposing thorn and steel fortress. When Bari finally reached the medicinal water, she found it protected by a guardian, a hermit warrior who, exhausted by wars, had isolated himself from the world. He also realizes that Bari was a woman and initially forced her to work for him as a servant, but they ended up falling in love and decided to make the marriage official. After nine years, Bari returned to her homeland with the water of life, along with her husband and seven children. But when she arrived at the king's castle, Bari was confronted with a heartbreaking scene. Her father was dead. In a desperate act, Bari stopped the funeral procession, opened the coffin lids, and poured the water of life on the king's lips, returning him to the living world. The king's resurrection was heralded as a miracle, and he gratefully granted Bari any wish she might have. She turned down any material offers, opting instead for a unique role, to be the guardian of the dead and protect the spirits from their punishments. Bari then returned to the realm of the dead at the edge of the earth, becoming the bridge between the two worlds, the shaman's godmother and a venerated figure for her extraordinary quest. Her story is echoed in Korean traditions as a tale of courage, sacrifice, and the interconnection between the spiritual and earthly realms. Once upon a time in the kingdom of Joseon, Hong Gildong was born, the son of an influential nobleman and a humble concubine. From early childhood, Gildong was burdened by the stigma of his illegitimate birth, unable to assert his place in society or even take on his father's surname. But Gildong was not an average child. Endowed with a keen intelligence and unusual physical abilities, he learned to read and write, even before his legitimate half-brothers, and displayed a natural talent for martial arts. Nevertheless, despite his genius, the people around him constantly reminded him of his subordinate position. You can't get in here. Or, this is not for someone like you, were common phrases in his life. Weary of the unfair treatment he suffered and saw around him, Gildong took it upon himself to run away from home and seek his own destiny. In the vast world beyond his father's residence, he encountered others like him, talented but oppressed. Despised by a cruel system based on lineage rather than merit, Gildong formed a gang with his charisma and intelligence. They were thieves in the eyes of the rich and powerful, but heroes to the poor. With his extraordinary abilities, he stole from corrupt rulers and redistributed wealth to those in need. His name became a legend and a beacon of hope for the underprivileged. During one of his most daring adventures, Gildong took it upon himself to confront injustice directly at the source. He snuck into the royal palace using his magic and cunning, perplexing the guards as he disappeared and resurfaced like a ghost. There, he found documents that implicated high-ranking officials in corrupt schemes. With that evidence, he exposed the government's corruption, forcing the king to act against his own advisors. But Gildong dreamt of more than just righting wrongs. He longed for a place where people could live free from the tyranny of birth and corruption. So, with his group of loyal followers, he founded his own kingdom on a distant island named Yuldo. There, he set up a fair government and a merit-based system where everyone could have the chance to prosper, regardless of their origin. His kingdom's fame spread, and eventually the king of Joseon himself, impressed by his achievements and acknowledging the loyalty of his people, granted Gildong a title of nobility, legitimizing his position and his kingdom. From a humble birth to a renowned ruler, Hong Gildong became a symbol of justice and endless possibilities. His story, passed down from generation to generation, still inspires those who seek a fairer world, proving that a person's true worth comes from their actions and character, not just their lineage.