A tour of Korea’s eerie, mischievous, and majestic supernatural beings
Playful troublemakers of folk tales: they prank, bargain, or reward humans depending on mood and hospitality. Often shown with clubs and strange hats.
A seductive, shape-shifting fox spirit that can be dangerous or tragic - stories range from murderous temptress to misunderstood loner.
A monstrous, unstoppable creature that devours metal and grows stronger - origin tales warn about greed and unintended consequences.
Mythical fire-dogs often linked to solar or protective symbolism; fierce guardians in some legends, omens in others.
A darker, more violent cousin of the dokkaebi tradition - tales describe a one-legged fiend that haunts and punishes the irreverent.
Serpentine proto-dragons that strive to become true dragons; associated with water, patience, and transformation.
Restless spirits tied to rivers, lakes, or drownings — often mournful, dangerous, or bound to watery places until appeased.
A tragic female spirit who died unmarried or dishonored; common in Korean ghost stories and central to the “vengeful virgin” archetype.
Death’s messenger who guides souls to the afterlife; sometimes stern, sometimes compassionate, depicted in traditional hat and robes.
A mythic guardian beast (part lion, part unicorn) associated with law, justice, and protection — often seen as stone statues at palaces.
From playful goblins to vengeful ghosts and mighty river gods, these 10 Korean beings reveal how folklore reflects both fear and hope.