Country file · Asia & the Middle East
Cryptids of South Korea
What cryptids are in South Korea? The best-known are Imugi and Kumiho.
Korean folklore is full of dragon and fox spirits. The imugi is a giant serpent that grows for a thousand years in deep water before ascending as a dragon, recorded in the Samguk Yusa. The kumiho is a nine-tailed fox that takes the shape of a woman; unlike the fortunate foxes of China and Japan, it is generally a threat.
- 2 cryptids
- 6 recorded sightings
Cryptids reported in South Korea
Imugi
Korea’s great water-serpent, a dragon in the making that needs a thousand years – and no interference – before it rises to the sky. Folklore
Kumiho
Korea’s nine-tailed fox, a shape-shifter that seduces men in medieval tales and legends – now a staple of Korean drama and film. FolkloreThe legends of South Korea
Both appear constantly in Korean television, film and games, and are treated as heritage rather than cryptid mysteries.
Hotspots
- Gyeongju
Former Silla capital whose temples and legends feature dragons.
- National Folk Museum, Seoul
Museum covering Korean folk belief.
Sightings timeline
- Goryeo periodFox in the Geotaji legend Kumiho
The fox disguised as a monk attacks the Dragon King and is shot by a hero.
- About 1281The Imok story in Samguk Yusa Imugi
The monk Iryeon’s collection told of a dragon’s son in a pond who brings rain and is saved from punishment.
- 1527Hunmong Jahoe Imugi
The character primer glossed the dragon character with the native word mireu.
- Joseon periodKumiho in novels Kumiho
Fox spirits become figures in popular narrative such as the Jeon Woo-chi Story.
- 1614Jibong Yuseol Imugi
Records the gangcheori, a dragon-like creature whose passing is said to feel like spring.
- 2010My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho Kumiho
The hit drama reimagined the creature as a romantic lead, shaping a new image.