Yong Pagoda in Yongdusan Park
Korean Dragons (called Yong in Korea) are mythical creatures from Korean mythology and folklore. They are benevolent creatures that are associated with water and agriculture.[1]
Description[]
Korean dragons are similar to other Eastern Dragons, with the exception that they have a longer beard. They generally had three claws on each foot, with the greatest of them having four.[2] In Korean texts, they are described to have human emotions such as devotion, kindness, and gratitude.[1] Like Chinese dragons, Korean dragons can bring forth rain. In stories, they tend to live in rivers and lakes, shallow seas, ponds on top of mountains, or freshwater springs. [2]
Some four-clawed dragons possess pearls like their Chinese cousins.[2]
Culture[]
Some Korean dragons were venerated by the populace for their wisdom, having said to be able to offer consul to kings and sages of Korea.[2]
Trivia[]
- A Korean legend tells that King Munmu prayed to become the Dragon of the East Sea while on his deathbed in order to protect Korea.[1]
References[]
External Links[]
- Korean dragon on Wikipedia