Korean Myths: A Study of Legends About Dokkaebi, Kumiho, Gods, and Spirits

Immerse yourself in the mysterious universe of Korean mythology, where, alongside people, dwell deities and spirits, and ancient legends continue to live on in myths and modern culture.

Discover a space in which everyday life intertwines with the world of gods and enigmatic beings.

This book invites you on a journey through the myths of the Korean Peninsula, where legendary storylines connect with cultural memory and ancient beliefs. Drawing on folklore sources and historical research, the author examines the most important layers of Korean mythology:
• Belief in spirits of nature and other supernatural beings
• Demonic images: tokkaebi, gumiho, imugi, and other “gwisin”
• Analyzing characters from folk tales and epic traditions

You will see how mythological motifs and images took on a new voice in Korean pop culture— from epic reimaginings in the series «Rebel Hong Gil-dong» to vivid portrayals of tokkaebi and gumiho in the dramas «Goblin» and «Tale of the Nine-Tailed».