Bulgae, also known as pulgae, are mythical fire dogs from Korean mythology that emerge from the kingdom of darkness. They are famed for chasing the Sun and Moon, with their bites causing eclipses. Often associated with the indigenous Sapsali breed, these fierce canines embody both fire and darkness.

Bulgae

Bulgasari, also known as Pulgasari, is a legendary metal-eating composite creature from Korean mythology. It combines distinct elements of a bear, elephant, rhino, tiger, and bull to form a formidable beast. Its unique ability to consume metal not only defines its diet but also symbolises its supernatural strength and transformative nature.

Bulgasari (creature)

Dokkaebi are legendary Korean goblins known for their mischievous yet magical nature. They are revered as nature spirits that both play tricks on and assist humans. Often depicted in traditional hanbok, their shape-shifting ability underlines their ever-changing persona.

Dokkaebi

The Egg ghost is a spectral entity from Korean folklore renowned for its egg-like appearance and ominous presence. It lacks conventional facial features and limbs, appearing solely as a smooth, rounded mass. Legend holds that anyone who sees this ghost is fated to die, marking its appearance as a dire omen.

Egg ghost

Eopsin is the Korean goddess of storage and wealth, revered as one of the Gasin that protect households. Uniquely manifesting in an animal form, she reflects the sacred status of snakes and weasels in Korean tradition. Her divine presence ensures domestic prosperity and protection in shamanistic practices.

Eopsin

Gangcheori is a dragon-shaped monster from Korean mythology, known for its destructive fire-breathing abilities. Introduced in the 17th century, it has been a popular figure in Korean folklore. Its presence is marked by the transformation of the landscape it passes over, burning down everything in its vicinity.

Gangcheori

Gurumapa is a fearsome giant from Nepal Mandala folklore known for abducting disobedient children. He is renowned for his terrifying face and protruding fangs. His legend serves as a cautionary tale in Newar society.

Gurumapa

Gwisin are ghosts in Korean folklore, representing the spirits of humans who remain on earth due to unresolved emotional ties. They are distinct from entities like dokkaebi as they are the souls of the dead bound by personal matters. Their haunting presence serves as a reminder of the lingering impact of unfinished business in life and death.

Gwisin

Imugi are benevolent, serpentine beings from Korean mythology, revered for their water-controlling abilities. They serve as rain-bringers and protectors of agriculture, contrasting with the destructive nature of European dragons. Residing in various water bodies, Imugi embody the nurturing and transformative power of nature.

Imugi

Inmyeonjo is a mythological Korean bird with a human face, predominantly depicted as a female figure. It symbolises longevity and serves as a sacred connector between the sky and the land. The creature is celebrated through ancient tomb murals and modern cultural representations.

Inmyeonjo

Kawas are supernatural entities integral to the Amis faith, representing a broad spectrum of spiritual beings from gods and ancestors to ghosts and mysterious forces. They interact with the mortal world by bestowing blessings or calamities, mediated through cultural rituals such as Lisin and bamboo oracle consultations. The term also denotes spiritual practitioners who serve as healers or shamans within the community.

Kawas (mythology)

Khyah is a mythical humanoid creature from Newar folklore, depicted as a fat, hairy, and short ape-like being. It is known for its dual nature, with white Khyahs bringing good luck and black ones causing trouble. Often found in attics and storerooms, Khyahs also act as guardians in temples and sacred dance dramas.

Khyah (legendary creature)

Korean dragons are legendary serpentine beings central to Korean mythology and folklore. They are revered as benevolent guardians of water and agricultural prosperity. Originating from Chinese dragon lore, they have evolved into a unique symbol of Korean cultural identity.

Korean dragon

The Korean Virgin Ghost, also known as Cheonyeogwisin, is the spirit of an unmarried woman from Korean folklore and urban legend. She is typically depicted as a sorrowful and eerie apparition in a white funeral dress. Her enduring legend reflects both societal tragedy and supernatural vengeance.

Korean virgin ghost

The kumiho is a mythical Korean fox spirit famous for its nine tails and ability to transform into a seductive woman. It lures unsuspecting men to feast on their internal organs, embodying the duality of beauty and savagery. Rooted in Korean folklore, the kumiho serves as a cautionary symbol of deception and danger.

Kumiho

The Lake Tianchi Monster is a legendary creature said to inhabit Heaven Lake at the peak of Baekdu Mountain. It forms part of local East Asian folklore spanning regions of China and North Korea. Despite numerous reported sightings, scientific skepticism remains prevalent regarding its existence.

Lake Tianchi Monster

Pha Trelgen Changchup Sempa is the mythological monkey-ancestor revered in Tibetan culture. As an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, he embodies divine wisdom and paternal protection. His legacy underpins the spiritual identity of the Tibetan people.

Pha Trelgen Changchup Sempa

The Qianlima is a legendary winged horse from Chinese classics, celebrated for its incredible speed. It is a prominent figure in East Asian mythology, symbolizing exceptional talent and swiftness. In Korean culture, it is revered as the chollima, inspiring national movements and metaphors for rapid progress.

Qianlima

The ro-langs is a zombie-like reanimated corpse from Tibetan folklore, created by necromantic forces. It is characterised by its rigid, unyielding body and a unique tongue-wagging behaviour used to signal victims. Local Tibetan architecture features low doorways designed to keep these eerie risen corpses at bay.

Ro-langs

Simhamukha, also known as the Lion Face Dakini, is a fierce wisdom dakini in Tibetan Buddhism depicted with the head of a snow lion. Her roaring mouth symbolically disperses discursive thoughts, enabling a state of pure meditative awareness. As an emanation of revered dakinis, she represents the accomplished female practitioner and functions primarily to avert magical attacks.

East Asian Creatures