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The Korean dragon is a special type of dragon associated with Korean mythology. Like its peers, the Korean dragon is culture-specific which means it has unique properties that differentiate it from dragons in other cultures.

Types of Korean dragons

There are three main sub-types for Korean Dragons
under the title of Yong, which is the generic title. The first dragon being, of course, Yong. It is known as the powerful sky dragon. Next comes the Yo, the hornless ocean dragon, which is spectated by Korean fishermen sometimes as a sea serpent. And lastly, Kyo, the mountain dragon. The mountains of Korea occupy much of its landmass, with the mountains symbolizing the teeth, biting into the fleece of sheep (clouds).

All Korean dragons are four-toed, naturally. Yet if a Korean dragon strays too far, it will lose toes. At least that how the myth goes. Like most Chinese dragons, they embody parts of other animals. Aside from the toes, the Korean dragon is usually described as having a camel's head with rabbit eyes, the belly of a frog, the feet of a tiger, and the neck of a serpant.

Other Korean dragon varieties

Whereas most dragons in Western mythology are generally related to the elements of fire and destruction, dragons (yong) in Korean mythology are mostly viewed as benevolent beings related to water and agriculture, often considered bringers of rain and clouds. Hence, many Korean dragons are said to have resided in rivers, lakes, oceans or even deep ponds within mountains.

The symbol of the dragon has been used extensively, both in Korean mythology and ancient Korean art. Politically, the dragon represents the Emperor, who himself was associated with rain and agriculture. Hence, those who used the title of King (Wang) were forbidden from wearing dragon adornments (the phoenix is the creature traditionally associated with a king).

Ancient texts sometimes mention sentient speaking dragons, capable of understanding such complex emotions such as devotion, kindness, and gratitude. One particular Korean legend speaks of the great king Munmu, who in his deathbed wished to become a "Dragon of the East Sea in order to protect Korea."

The Korean dragon was said to have certain specific traits: No wings, for example, in addition to a long beard.

Very occasionally a dragon might may be depicted as carrying a dragon orb known as the Yeoiju (여의주) in one or more of its claws. It was said that whoever could wield the Yeoiju was blessed with the abilities of omnipotence and creation at will and that only four-toed dragons (those which had thumbs to hold the orbs) were both wise and powerful enough to wield these orbs (as opposed to the lesser, three-toed dragons).

A close relative to the dragon is a native Korean mythological creature known as an Imugi (이무기). There are different stories about the Imugi: Some, for example say that they are hornless creatures resembling dragons but have been cursed, and thus were unable to become dragons. Other say that an Imugi is a proto-dragon which must survive one thousand years in order to become a fully fledged dragon. In either case they are said to be large benevolent python-like creatures that live in the waters or caves. Their sighting is associated with good luck.

Korean Cockatrice: The Korean Cockatrice is known as a Kye-ryong (계룡), literally meaning chicken-dragon and does not appear as often as dragons. They are sometimes seen as chariot-pulling beasts for important legendary figures or parents of legendary heroes. One such legend involves the founding of the Kingdom of Silla, whose princess was said to have been born from a Cockatrice egg.

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Games - Korean dragon

Types of Korean dragons

Other Korean dragon varieties

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