Popular Myths of South Korea You Must Know

Writer: Suparna Mitra (Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

Editor: Tahoora Charfare (Fahaheel, Kuwait)

“Mythology is like Gravity, inconvenient with time, but necessary for Cohesion.” 

– Elizabeth Janeway. 

Every culture imagines its culture in a different way, which is why myths are also different in every culture. In historical K-Dramas, K-Movies, we have heard of many myths and folklores which were very popular, and some are related to the history of Korea. Let’s know about some of them to explore the ancient culture of Korea. 

^{Picture credits: mythology.guru}

Literary Mythology

There are recorded myths that can still be found in modern literature and are related to the foundation of the three main kingdoms of Korea: Goguryeo (Joseon), Silla, and Baekje. So let’s begin.

Dangun (단군)

In history, Dangun is the founder of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon. He is described as the God king and the first man of Korea. It makes us wonder why he was called a God-king, right? It’s related to his supernatural birth. It’s said that he was the grandson of the lord of Heaven, Hwanin. Hwanung (환웅), younger son of Hwanin, who yearned to live on the earth and founded the “City of God” (신시).  A tiger and a bear prayed to Hwanung that they wanted to become human. Hwanung gave them twenty cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort, ordering them to eat only this sacred food and remain out of the sunlight for 100 days. The tiger gave up after about twenty days, but the bear persevered and was transformed into a woman, Ungnyeo (웅녀). Later, Hwanung married Ungnyeo. Dangun was their offspring, the first man of the Korean peninsula. Dangun is also known as Dangun Wanggeom (meaning the lord who governs the society). Every year, both North and South Korea celebrate 3rd October as the National Foundation Day. Gaecheonjeol (The day the sky opened) is the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. Although the North Koreans do not have a holiday on this day, the South Koreans celebrate this day with a public holiday.

_{Picture credits: mythology.guru}

Jumong (주몽)

Jumong is related to the foundation of the Goguryeo dynasty. Jumong is also known as Dongmyeong of Goguryeo. He was the son of Hae Mo-su (해모수) and Yuhwa (유화), who was the daughter of Habaek, the god of the Amnok River. Jumong means a good archer. In reality, it said that he was such a good archer that he could even shoot a fly in the air. Jumong left on his horse to follow Hae Mo-su’s dream to unify the Gojoseon kingdom, which had been broken up as a result of the Han Dynasty’s interference, and rescue Gojoseon’s population. He entered the land in the south of the river and later became the first king of Goguryeo. He has been given many names with the title Dongmyeong the Saint.

Park Hyeokgeose (박 혁거세)

Park Hyeokgeose was the first king of the Silla Dynasty of Korea. It says that after the Gojoseon dynasty, the refugees of that kingdom started to live in a valley, which is the current Yangsan province of South Korea. One day, six village heads of the villages were discussing the foundation of a new kingdom in the Yangsan forest. When they saw a bright light coming from the sky, when they went close in the forest, they found a white horse leaving a big egg near a well. A boy came out of the egg, and when bathed, his body radiated light. The chief raised him and made him king when he became 13 years old. The state was named Seorabeol, later Silla. Hyeokgeose was the progenitor of the Park (bak,박) clan in Korea (one of the three popular clans). 

^{Picture credits: Korea.net}

Suro of Geumgnum Gaya

In Samguk Yusa, the foundation myth of one of the most powerful Gaya kingdoms had been recorded. The nine chiefs of Gaya got the command from heaven to find a kingdom there. After singing and dancing as commanded by heaven, a golden chest wrapped in red cloth descends from heaven. Six golden eggs had been found in the chest. The eggs hatched into giant boys, who matured in merely two weeks. On the fifteenth day, they became the kings of the six provinces of Gaya. The first to hatch, Suro, became king of Geumgwan Gaya. After getting defeated by the leader of the Seok Clan (another popular clan of Korea), Seok Talhae, he fled to Silla. 

_{Picture credits: koreatourinformation}

Other than literary myths, there are many folklores and legends too

Moon Rabbit of Chuseok

The legend of the rabbit on the moon is a timeless tale that has been passed down through generations, captivating the hearts and minds of people across the world. The enchanting story originates from the observation that the markings on the moon bear a resemblance to a rabbit standing under a cinnamon tree. This visual connection has sparked imagination and inspired numerous adaptations of the tale.

According to the legend, the Rabbit, along with a Fox and a Monkey, resided in a village and dedicated themselves to the study and practice of Buddhism. Their commitment and devotion to their faith were put to the test when the Emperor of the Heavens requested food from them. In a display of unwavering faith, the Fox caught a fish, the Monkey gathered fruits, and the Rabbit, unable to find anything but grass, selflessly offered itself by jumping into a fire to provide sustenance.

Moved by the Rabbit’s profound sacrifice and unwavering devotion, the Emperor appointed the Rabbit as the guardian of the moon. In modern-day adaptations, the story often depicts two rabbits on the moon joyfully making rice cakes, adding to the significance of the tale, particularly during the mid-autumn festival when friends and family gather to celebrate. The enduring resonance of the rabbit on the moon legend serves as a poignant reminder of selflessness, sacrifice, and the enduring power of faith and commitment. It continues to be celebrated and cherished as a symbol of hope, unity, and the enduring bond between loved ones.

_{Picture credits: Behance}

Dokkaebi (Goblin)

If you are a fan of Korean dramas, you surely would know about Goblin. Nature deities or spirits possessing extraordinary powers and abilities that are used to interact with humans, they are also called guardian angels. They love to play pranks on people. They often punish the wrongdoers and reward the good people with riches. Unlike the handsome portrayal in the dramas, the Goblins are very scary to look at; they are described as dwarfs with horns.

_{Picture credits: mythology.guru}

Haechi

The creature is a bit odd-looking with the body and head of a lion, scales covering its entire body, and curved horns on its head. This creature is the symbol of the city of Seoul and is also known as a guardian, warding off evil omens. The Haechi statues can be seen at the entrances of palaces and other historical places in Korea, as they prevent fire and are a good omen for preventing natural disasters.

_{Picture credits: mythology.guru}

In Korean culture, there are lots of legends and myths. I hope you will like the story of myths and start to find out more myths after reading the article. Have you heard of any of these myths from South Korea? Are there any myths that are closely related to Indian myths? Do let us know in the comments section.