This book contains 175 tales drawn equally from the ancient and modern periods of Korea, plus 16 further tales provided for comparative purposes. Nothing else on this scale or depth is available in any western language. Three broad classes of material are included: foundation myths of ancient states and clans, ancient folktales and legends, modern folktales. Each narrative contains information on its source and provenance, and on its folklore type, similarities to folklore types from China, Japan and elsewhere.

Have you ever encountered a noblewoman who was so beautiful that every time she walked by a body of water, the divine being who lived there kidnapped her? Or a mole who wanted to marry his beloved daughter to the wind? You will get to meet both of them in this book. Long ago, Korea was divided into the three kingdoms of Koguryo, Silla, and Paekche. Each kingdom had its own culture, myths, and legends. Many of these myths were first written down in a collection called Samguk yusa, or "Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms," which was compiled by a Buddhist monk named Iryeon in the late thirteenth century. Changes in religious belief across the centuries came to have an important impact on Korean mythology. The earliest religion was a form of shamanism, and the belief in gods and spirits who inhabit animals and mountains come to the fore in several of these tales. Buddhism was introduced in the fourth century, and several Korean myths have Buddhist monks or priests as their protagonists. Confucianism, which gained traction in Korea starting at the end of the fourteenth century, contributed to the concept of filial piety that informs the plots of several of the stories in this volume. Some of these myths involve high-status people such as kings and government officials, or else tell of the activities of divine beings such as heavenly maidens or dragons, while others are amusing tales about the doings of cats and dogs and other animals. Myths such as "The Legend of Tangun" explain how kingdoms were founded, while "Kot'aji and the God of the Western Sea" tell the tale of how the archer Kot'aji saved a dragon and his family from the predations of a malicious demon, while other dragon stories are about people needing to be rescued from their long, scaly hosts who, despite having snatched people away from their families, are largely benignant beings who treat their guests well. Here are just a few of the other amazing things you will encounter in this collection of Korean myths and legends: The story of how King Tongmyong hatched out of an egg The legend of how the dragon Ch'oyong became a protector against smallpox A Korean frog prince and a Korean Cinderella A Buddhist monk who is befriended by a spirit The good brother whom the King of the Swallows rewards for his kindness, and the bad brother who learns a hard lesson about selfishness Why cats and dogs are enemies And more! Scroll up and click the "add to cart" button to learn more about Korean myths and legends.

This book is a collection of myths and legends describing the beliefs and customs of the ancient people in the formative stage of Korean civilization, and will help the reader understand the Korean people, their traditions and their culture. The twenty-eight myths and legends in this volume are selected from several books of historic importance. Though they have been enjoyed throughout the ages in Korea, they are not known outside so well and this volume will fill that void.

A collection of twenty traditional Korean legends and folktales.

This colorfully illustrated multicultural Korean children's book presents Indian fairy tales and other folk stories--providing insight into a rich literary culture. Korean Children's Favorite Stories is a captivating collection of Korean folktales for children which are still being told, just as they have been for generations. Some are Korean-specific, while others echo those told in other countries. Written with wit and pathos, they unveil the inevitable foibles of people everywhere and expose the human-like qualities of animals and the animal-like qualities of humans. Pulsating with the rhythm of life and the seasons, these Korean fables transport the reader to a wonderland where ants talk, a baby rabbit outwits a tiger, a tree fathers a child, and a toad saves a whole village. Korean stories include: The Story Bag The Pheasant, the Dove, and the Magpie The Bridegroom's Shopping The Bad Tiger The Great Flood The Pumpkin Seeds The Grateful Tiger The Three Princesses And more… The Children's Favorite Stories series was created to share the folktales and legends most beloved by children in the East with young readers of all backgrounds in the West. Other multicultural children's books in this series include: Asian Children's Favorite Stories, Indian Children's Favorite Stories, Indonesian Children's Favorite Stories, Japanese Children's Favorite Stories, Singapore Children's Favorite Stories, Filipino Favorite Children's Stories, Favorite Children's Stories from China & Tibet, Chinese Children's Favorite Stories, Balinese Children's Favorite Stories, and Vietnamese Children's Favorite Stories.

This highly engaging volume by one of Korea’s leading scholars of comparative mythology – the the first study of its kind in English – provides a valuable introduction to centuries-old beliefs, myths and folk tales relating to Cosmology and Flood, Birth and Agriculture, Messengers of the Underworld, Shamans, Disease, Good Fortune, Love and Family, Gods of Village Shrines, and Heroes. Containing thirty traditional stories, the book is fully illustrated throughout and contains a wide variety of Korean art, including rare shamanist paintings, as well as the work of some contemporary Korean artists. All the stories, based on Korean oral tradition, have been retold by the author according to their main plot and meaning because the original texts’ songs by shamans, containing many obsolete words and obscure idioms, are not easily understood today. The original title and source, including text notes, are provided at the end of each story. The author’s Introduction sets out the historical background and significance of the myths that appear here. He also provides full details of each of the Korean gods and their roles in mythology. While being a welcome addition to the literature on Korean culture for the non-specialist, An Illustrated Guide to Korean Mythology also provides an invaluable reference source for scholars and researchers in the fields of East Asian Mythology and Anthropology, as well as Korean History, Religion and Literature.

Have you ever wondered about the ancient tales that shaped Korea's cultural identity? What mystical beings populate the folklore of the Korean peninsula? How do age-old myths continue to influence modern Korean society? "Korean Mythology (Illustrated): Myths and Legends of Heroes and Monsters from Sacred Lands and Mystic Seas" brings to life the fascinating world of Korean folklore. This illustrated volume showcases the diverse array of mythical figures and legendary tales, including: The creation myth of Dangun, founder of the first Korean kingdom Mischievous dokkaebi goblins and shape-shifting gumiho foxes Powerful mountain gods and benevolent spirits of sacred trees Fearsome dragons and their underwater realms Through engaging narratives and detailed illustrations, readers will discover: The intricate web of Korean myths and their cultural significance How these ancient stories continue to shape modern Korean beliefs The role of shamanism in preserving and transmitting these tales The symbolism behind Korea's most iconic mythical creatures Each myth is accompanied by carefully crafted illustrations that bring these legendary beings and mythical scenes to life. From fearsome monsters to heroic figures, every character is depicted in vivid detail, allowing readers to visualize the rich world of Korean mythology. Whether you're a folklore enthusiast, interested in Korean culture, or simply appreciate mythological art, this book offers a unique exploration of Korea's legendary past. Dive into the enchanting realm of Korean mythology today. Let these timeless tales and striking images introduce you to a world where myths and monsters come alive on the page.

A fascinating introduction to the world of Korean myth and legend. The myths of Korea may seem a complex and intriguing mix of ghosts, spirits, and superstition, but they form the bedrock of one of the most vibrant global cultures today. In the past few decades, South Korea has experienced a rapid rise to prominence on the world stage as the Hallyu, the "Korean wave" of popular culture, drives newfound interest in the country. This swift transformation has also generated paradoxes within contemporary South Korea, where cutting-edge technology now coexists with centuries-old shamanistic legends and Buddhist rituals. Korean myths are a living and evolving part of society, in both the North and South. With the export of Korean film across the globe, K-pop, fashion, K-dramas, literature, and comics there is a growing desire to understand the folklore and mythical underpinnings of contemporary Korean culture. Authors Heinz Insu Fenkl and Bella Dalton-Fenkl bring together a wealth of knowledge of both the new and the old, the traditional and the modern, to guide readers through this fascinating history and help them understand the culture and traditions of the Korean people. From the Changsega ("Song of Creation") sung by shamans to the gods, goddesses, and monsters who inhabit the cosmos—including the god Mireuk, creator of the world, and the giant Grandma Mago, who was able to create mountains from the mud on her skirt—these myths have been disseminated for centuries and continue to resonate in popular culture today.