Dokkaebi : The Trickster Goblins of Korean
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At a glance
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Korean Mythology |
| Classification | Spirits |
| Family Members | N/A |
| Region | South Korea |
| Associated With | Mischief, Wrestling |
Dokkaebi
Introduction
Dokkaebi, often called Korean goblins, occupy a unique space in the tapestry of Korean mythology. Unlike their malevolent Western counterparts, these mythical beings are complex and contradictory—mischievous yet generous, fearsome yet oddly endearing. Rooted in centuries of oral tradition and shamanistic beliefs, Dokkaebi are nature spirits believed to inhabit everyday objects imbued with spiritual energy. Their stories reflect Korea’s ancient animistic worldview, where the boundary between the natural and supernatural is fluid. Today, they symbolize the enduring spirit of Korean folklore, blending humor, morality, and the inexplicable forces of the unseen world.
Physical Traits
Dokkaebi are recognized for their strange, exaggerated appearance that balances between the grotesque and the comical. While depictions vary widely across Korea’s diverse regions, several iconic traits remain consistent. These beings often have bulging eyes, wide grins full of sharp teeth, and wild, unkempt hair. Some are shown with horns or even a single leg or eye, emphasizing their supernatural nature and physical asymmetry. Traditional artwork often clothes them in hanbok—Korea’s customary attire—sometimes humorously modified with natural elements like leaves or animal skin. Their odd form serves not only to entertain but also to teach through symbolism, warning or rewarding human actions in a playful but impactful way.
Family
Unlike many mythological beings who descend from gods or belong to divine lineages, Dokkaebi are not born in a conventional sense. They are said to arise from inanimate objects left unused or abandoned—such as brooms, old tools, or earthenware—that absorb spiritual energy over time. This origin story places them within Korea’s animistic tradition, where all things possess life and spirit. Though not traditionally assigned familial roles, modern interpretations sometimes imagine these societies complete with rules, hierarchies, and even matriarchal structures. These fictional expansions add depth to their character, showing them as part of a broader supernatural community filled with rituals, contests, and quirky social norms that mirror human behavior in exaggerated ways.
Other Names/ Types
Dokkaebi appear in many forms and go by various names, each highlighting a particular aspect of their nature. Cham Dokkaebi are the classic mischief-makers, embodying the fun-loving spirit of the lore. Gae Dokkaebi represent their more chaotic side, often bringing misfortune where they go. The Nat Dokkaebi are daylight wanderers, rare and unusually generous. One-legged Oedari Dokkaebi are wrestling enthusiasts, known for challenging humans to bouts of ssireum. Other notable variations include the seductive Gaksi and Chonggak Dokkaebi, and the warrior-like Go Dokkaebi who are masters of archery and battle. These diverse types reflect the richness of regional storytelling traditions, where each community adds its own flavor to the core myth.
Powers and Abilities
Dokkaebi possess a wide range of magical powers that they use to interact with humans and influence the world. Their signature weapon, the bangmangi or spiked club, can summon food, treasures, or even manipulate space, making it a tool of both whimsy and power. The gamtu, or invisible hat, grants them stealth and the ability to eavesdrop or vanish at will. Dokkaebi can shapeshift into humans or animals, control fire known as “Dokkaebi fire,” and create vivid illusions to bewilder their victims. They are particularly known for their love of wrestling, often challenging humans to ssireum matches where knowledge of their weak side—usually the right—can turn the tide. Beyond these feats, they serve a moral function in many tales, rewarding virtue and punishing greed or arrogance, reinforcing traditional Korean values through supernatural justice.
Modern Day Influence
Dokkaebi have found a vibrant second life in Korea’s modern cultural scene. They are no longer confined to oral tales or temple murals—they now appear in dramas, games, literature, and even brand logos. One of the most iconic reinterpretations is the 2016 TV drama Goblin: The Lonely and Great God, which reimagined a Dokkaebi as an immortal romantic hero. This modern portrayal introduced the being to a global audience, blending mythology with contemporary narrative elements. In video games like Rainbow Six Siege, characters inspired by Dokkaebi bring their supernatural essence into futuristic contexts. In music and fashion, references to these beings serve as symbols of Korean heritage, creativity, and mystery. Even today, rural areas still hold gosa rituals invoking Dokkaebi for blessings or protection, proving their cultural relevance hasn’t waned but simply transformed. Their evolution reflects Korea’s ability to innovate while honoring the ancient stories that continue to define its spiritual and cultural identity.
Related Images
Source
Han, S. M. (2011). Dokkaebi in Modern Korean Literature and Cinema. Seoul: Kyunghee University Press.
Cho, Y. S. (2019). The Dokkaebi Phenomenon: A Look at How the Goblin Is Portrayed in K-Dramas. Asian Popular Culture Studies Journal, 18(1), 65–81.
Lee, D. J. (2018). Reinterpreting Dokkaebi: From Korean Folklore to K-Drama. Korean Screen Studies, 6(2), 101–116.
Kim, J.-d. (2017, April 5). Dokkaebi: The Goblins of Korean Myth. Korean Literature Now. Retrieved from https://klwave.or.kr/klw/magazines/1339/articleView.do
Fantastical: Dokkaebi – Korea’s Mischievous and Powerful Goblins. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hanna-one.com/fan-dokkaebi.html
Old Folklore. (n.d.). Dokkaebi: Korean Goblins of Folklore – Appearance, Powers, Legends, Symbolism. Retrieved from https://oldfolklore.com/dokkaebi-korean-goblins-of-folklore-appearance-powers-legends-symbolism/
Chonggak Dokkaebi: Korean Mythical Goblins. (2024, September 25). Wars & History. Retrieved from https://warsandhistory.com/chonggak-dokkaebi/
Lee, C. R., & Lee, Y.-S. (2013). The study of the Korean traditional hybrid character shape: For Jangseung and Dokkaebi. Cartoon and Animation Studies, 31. https://doi.org/10.7230/KOSCAS.2013.31.001
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dokkaebi good or bad?
Dokkaebi, Korean tricksters, are a tangled blend of good and bad. They reward good deeds, play mischievous pranks (sometimes helpful!), and can be vengeful if disrespected. Their unpredictable nature keeps us guessing – are they friends or fiends? It all depends on the story!
What animal is Dokkaebi?
Dokkaebi aren’t furry friends, but rather mischievous Korean spirits, shapeshifting between humanoids and tricksters, blurring the lines between helpful blessings and playful pranks. Forget categories, embrace the mystery – they’re creatures of their own lore!
What is the Dokkaebi Goblin story?
Dokkaebi, often referred to as Korean goblins, are nature spirits from Korean mythology and folklore. They are typically depicted as ugly creatures with red faces, sometimes with horns and one or two legs. Originating from inanimate objects stained with human blood, they possess various abilities, including bestowing good fortune and punishing humans for their sins. Folktales about Dokkaebi, such as “Dokkaebi bangmangi”, depict them interacting with humans, often with moral lessons involved.
Is Dokkaebi a God?
Dokkaebi, or Korean goblins, are based on creatures from Korean mythology. They originate from inanimate objects stained with human blood and are known for their powers and abilities, which include bestowing good fortune and punishing humans for their sins. They are often depicted as ugly creatures with red faces, sometimes with horns and one or two legs.
