- Han Ji-eun -
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When I was growing up, my Umma (mother) told me stories that others dismissed as myths, but I always felt there was truth in her words. She painted a world full of wonders, and among the many tales she shared, none fascinated me more than the stories of Korean dragons.
Unlike the dragons of Western legends, often portrayed as fearsome beasts breathing fire and bringing destruction, Korean dragons are symbols of wisdom and kindness. They are deeply connected to water and nature, serving as guardians of rivers, rain, and the life-giving mists that embrace the mountains. Instead of hiding in dark caves or volcanic lairs, they live in serene places—hidden lakes, misty mountain springs, or even the sky—where they protect the heavens and bless the earth with abundance.
Umma often described their lives in vivid detail. During summer, these dragons would rest on rocky shores, their shimmering scales glinting like precious jewels under the sun. They remained perfectly still, their long whiskers flowing in the breeze, exuding a calm and regal presence. In winter, they would retreat to hidden caves, hibernating until the world needed their return. When they woke, their deep, resonant calls would echo through the hills, a sound so powerful and ancient that it left everyone who heard it awestruck. Their flight was no less breathtaking; they soared through the sky like ribbons of freedom, their manes and whiskers rippling in the wind. To my Umma, the sight of a dragon marked the true beginning of spring, even more than the first flowers or budding leaves.
Yet, the wonder of these creatures extended beyond their appearance. The mythology surrounding them tells of a journey, one that not all dragons are born into. Many begin life as Imoogis—enormous serpents with dragon-like powers but without the ability to fly. These creatures are known for their incredible strength and venom, making them nearly impossible to capture. Imoogis are also deeply intelligent and driven by a longing to ascend and become true dragons.
To achieve this transformation, an Imoogi must spend 1,000 years in meditation near a secluded pool, waiting for a Yeouijui, a sacred orb or pearl, to descend from the heavens. Only by catching this orb can an Imoogi shed its serpentine form and ascend into the skies as a full-fledged dragon. True dragons, called Yong or Kyo, are said to gain immense powers, including the ability to create and control the elements. Among these, only the four-toed Yong dragons, capable of holding the Yeouijui with their thumbs, are considered the wisest and most powerful. Lesser dragons, such as the three-toed Kyo or the hornless Yo, remain bound to the oceans and mountains, unable to reach the skies.
Among these legendary dragons, one is revered above all others—Yongwang, the Dragon King. In our family, he is honored with deep respect as a celestial ruler.
Yongwang is said to govern the three great oceans surrounding the Korean Peninsula, protecting them with his immense power. He is believed to possess three sacred Yeouijuis, or Orbs of Dragonkind, which grant him unmatched strength and authority over all dragons. As a divine guardian, he symbolizes wisdom, power, and the balance of nature.
Yet, as the old saying goes, "every masterpiece hides a tragedy." There was something about this magnificent and mighty Dragon King that few knew about, including my family - The legend of the Dragon King's heart, a heart that once beat not for the heavens, nor for the oceans, but for a human girl. It is a tale lost in time, whispered only in the wind—a story of a love so profound that it bridged the gap between mortal and divine.