Korean Folklore: Creatures, Importance & Significance.

 

The new show K-pop Demon Hunters, is trending. But, what is it inspired by? Well, the villain (Gwi-ma) is, in fact, based off Korean folklore!

What is Korean folklore?

Korean folklore is a blend of myths, legends, and traditions which are passed down for centuries. It includes shamanism, Buddhism, Confucian values, and ancient beliefs about gods, spirits and afterlife.

Who is Gwi-ma (The villain: Demon king) inspired by?

Gwi-ma isn't exactly a specific folklore myth. Instead, it is inspired by blending many older Korean spirit traditions together. Its name combines gwi (ghost) and ma (demon), reflecting roots in gwishin lore referring to restless human ghosts who linger in the world of the living. Shamanic spirits are also believed to cause illness or misfortune. Buddhist demon figures like ma tempt humans away from virtue. Together, these influences shaped the modern image of Gwi-ma as a dark, ghostly demon that crosses the boundary between spirit and monster.

Disclaimer: This is an interpretive explanation based on the author's understanding and may not be taken as a fact without double-checking.

What other creatures appear in Korean Folklore?

A lot of creatures appear in Korean folklore. Some are:

• Gwishin (귀신) – These are classic Korean ghosts, often women in white with long black hair, usually tied to unresolved grudges or tragic deaths.
• Dokkaebi (도깨비) – Mischievous goblins or trickster spirits, sometimes bringing luck, while other times, acting as a gateway to chaos. They carry magical clubs (bangmangi) that can summon things.
• Bulgasari (불가사리) – A monster said to devour metal; it grows stronger the more it eats.
• Gumiho (구미호) – The nine-tailed fox spirit; can appear as a beautiful woman to seduce and consume human livers/hearts, though some tales make her tragic.
• Jeoseung Saja (저승사자) – Grim reaper figures who escort souls to the afterlife, feared but not always evil.
• Imugi (이무기) – Giant serpent-like creatures that are proto-dragons. At maturity, if they survive that long, they become true dragons. 

Why are these important in Korean culture?

Spirits and creatures displayed in Korean folklore are used as a way to mirror values, fears and beliefs of past generations in entertainment. For example: Ghosts like the gwishin rare used for refelecting social concerns about injustice, untimely death, and the need for proper rituals. Trickster figures like the dokkaebi teach lessons about greed, kindness, and human cleverness. The gumiho acts as a warning about deception and desire, while protective beings like dragons symbolize strength and fortune. Through these, people used to explain away natural disasters, life after death and more without science. 

Why are people still interested in them?

Korean culture provides explanations for life, death, love, fear and morality. All of these are topics that we, as humans, can relate to. Thus, people are still fascinated by them, especially when they are presented with a modern twist (K-drams, K-pop etc)