Korean mythology is rich with a diverse range of gods and goddesses that have played a significant role in shaping the country’s culture and beliefs. These deities are often associated with natural phenomena such as the sun, moon, and stars, as well as human emotions and virtues. Many of the Korean gods and goddesses have fascinating backstories that explain their powers and influence.
One of the most prominent gods in Korean mythology is Sang-Je, who is considered the king of all the Korean gods. He is believed to be the supreme ruler of heaven and the father of all other Korean gods. Sang-Je was the only medium that many humans had to pass through to become immortal gods in the Korean pantheon. Another important god is Yeomna, who is the ruler of the underworld and is associated with death and rebirth.
Korean mythology also has several goddesses who are revered for their beauty, wisdom, and power. Dalnim is the enchanting moon goddess who is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a gentle and kind demeanor. She is believed to have the power to control the tides and is associated with fertility and femininity. Another goddess is Seonangsin, who is the goddess of childbirth and is often invoked by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. She is also associated with good fortune and prosperity.
Pantheon Overview
The Korean pantheon is a rich and diverse collection of gods and goddesses that were worshiped by the ancient Koreans. The pantheon is made up of both male and female deities, each with their own unique powers and stories. In this section, we will provide an overview of the Korean pantheon, including its creation myths and heavenly hierarchy.
Creation Myths
Like many other ancient cultures, the Koreans had their own creation myths that explained how the world was formed. According to these myths, the world was created by a god named Mireuk, who was also known as the God of Creation. Mireuk was said to have created the world by separating the heavens and the earth, and then filling the earth with plants, animals, and humans.
Heavenly Hierarchy
The Korean pantheon is organized into a heavenly hierarchy that is similar to a government office. The top of the hierarchy is the divine world, which is often referred to as the “sky” by Koreans. The divine world is home to a pantheon of gods, each of whom has their own department that is responsible for performing administrative duties regarding the human world.
At the top of the divine world is Yeomna, the supreme ruler and king of the underworld. Yeomna is the only Korean god who has the highest authority over the judgments passed on to the dead in the underworld. Below Yeomna are other gods and goddesses, including Seokga, the trickster Korean god, and Haemosu, the Korean sun god.
Overall, the Korean pantheon is a complex and fascinating collection of gods and goddesses that played an important role in the lives of ancient Koreans. Whether it was seeking protection, guidance, or good fortune, the Korean people turned to their gods and goddesses for help and support.
Major Deities
Dangun Wanggeom
Dangun Wanggeom is the legendary founder of Korea and the first king of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom. According to mythology, he was born from the union of Hwanung, the son of Hwanin, and a bear that had been transformed into a woman. Dangun Wanggeom is considered a divine figure in Korean mythology and is often depicted as a wise and benevolent ruler.
Hwanin
Hwanin is the supreme god in Korean mythology and is often referred to as the “Lord of Heaven”. He is believed to have created the world and all living creatures. Hwanin is also the father of Hwanung, who is credited with founding the city of Asadal and teaching humans various skills and knowledge.
Hwanung
Hwanung is the son of Hwanin and the founder of Asadal, the first city in Korean mythology. According to legend, Hwanung descended to earth and taught humans various skills and knowledge, such as agriculture, medicine, and music. He is also credited with introducing the concept of governance to humans.
Mireuk
Mireuk is a Buddhist deity who is widely worshipped in Korea. He is often depicted as a benevolent and compassionate figure who helps those in need. Mireuk is also associated with the concept of enlightenment and is believed to help guide humans towards spiritual awakening.
In Korean mythology, these major deities play a significant role in shaping the world and the lives of humans. Each deity has their own unique characteristics and stories, which have been passed down through generations. Their influence can still be seen in Korean culture today, through art, literature, and religious practices.
Nature and Harvest Gods
Korean mythology has a rich tradition of gods and goddesses associated with nature and the harvest. These deities were revered by farmers and villagers alike, who looked to them for bountiful crops and favorable weather conditions. In this section, we will explore three of these gods: Jumong, Ungnyeo, and Yongwang.
Jumong
Jumong is a legendary figure in Korean mythology, known as the founder of the kingdom of Goguryeo. He is also associated with agriculture and is often depicted with a plow. According to myth, Jumong was born from the union of a heavenly prince and a bear. He is said to have possessed great strength and wisdom, and his reign was marked by peace and prosperity.
Ungnyeo
Ungnyeo is a goddess associated with agriculture and fertility. According to legend, she was a bear who transformed into a woman after eating garlic and mugwort. She then became the wife of Hwanung, the son of the god of heaven. Ungnyeo is said to have taught humans how to cultivate crops and raise animals, and she is often depicted holding a sheaf of rice.
Yongwang
Yongwang is the dragon king of the sea and is associated with both water and agriculture. He is often depicted wearing a crown and holding a fishing rod. According to myth, Yongwang was once a mortal who was transformed into a dragon by the gods. He is said to have the power to control the tides and bring rain, making him an important figure for farmers and fishermen alike.
Household and Village Guardians
In Korean mythology, Chesok, Jowangsin, and Samshin Halmoni are some of the most important household and village guardians. These deities are believed to protect homes and villages from evil spirits and bring good luck to the people.
Chesok
Chesok is the Korean god of the kitchen. He is often depicted as a short, plump man with a big smile and a round belly. Chesok is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to households, especially in matters related to food and cooking.
Jowangsin
Jowangsin is the Korean god of the hearth. He is often depicted as an old man with a long beard and a kind face. Jowangsin is believed to protect households from fire and other disasters. He is also associated with family harmony and is often worshipped during family gatherings.
Samshin Halmoni
Samshin Halmoni is the Korean goddess of childbirth. She is often depicted as a kind, elderly woman with a baby in her arms. Samshin Halmoni is believed to protect pregnant women and newborn babies from harm. She is also associated with fertility and is often worshipped by couples who are trying to conceive.
Overall, Chesok, Jowangsin, and Samshin Halmoni are important deities in Korean mythology. They are believed to protect households and villages from harm and bring good luck and prosperity to the people.
Shamanism and Rituals
Gut Rituals
In Korean shamanism, Gut is a ritual that is performed to communicate with the spirits. It is believed that the spirits can bring good fortune and blessings to the people. The Gut ritual is performed by a Mudang, a shaman who is believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirits. During the ritual, the Mudang will dance, sing, and play music to communicate with the spirits. The ritual involves offerings of food, drink, and other items to the spirits. The Gut ritual is an important part of Korean shamanism and is still practiced today.
Mudang Shamans
Mudang is a shaman in Korean shamanism who is believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirits. Mudang is usually a woman who has been chosen by the spirits to become a shaman. The Mudang is trained in the art of communication with the spirits and is believed to have the ability to heal people and bring good fortune. The Mudang performs various rituals, including the Gut ritual, to communicate with the spirits. The Mudang is an important part of Korean shamanism and is respected by the people.
Cultural Influence
Folktales
Korean mythology has a rich tradition of folktales that have been passed down through generations. These folktales often feature gods and goddesses as main characters, and they serve as a way for people to understand the world around them. The Korean gods and goddesses in these folktales are often portrayed as powerful beings who can control the elements and shape the world to their will. These stories have had a significant impact on Korean culture and have helped shape the way people view the world around them.
Modern Depictions
Korean gods and goddesses have also played a significant role in modern media, such as K-dramas and webtoons. These depictions often take creative liberties with the original stories, but they still serve as a way for people to connect with these ancient myths. For example, the god Sang-Je has been depicted as a benevolent ruler who cares for his people, while the goddess Dalnim has been portrayed as a fierce warrior who fights for justice. These modern depictions have helped keep the stories of Korean mythology alive and relevant in modern times.