강철이

SerpentKorea · East AsiaLegendFear 5/10

Description

A serpent from the folklore of Korea. Gangcheori (강철이; 強鐵) is a dragon-shaped monster in Korean mythology that was introduced in the 17th…

Origin & Background

Gangcheol is a fire monster that failed to become a dragon, also known as 'Gangcheol (强鐵)'.

The Legend

Wherever it passes, it emits extreme heat, drying up vegetation and evaporating clouds, causing drought. There is a saying that 'where Gangcheol has passed, even autumn looks like spring,' meaning that all the crops have burned and are left bare like in spring. It symbolizes the frustration and disaster of failing to become a dragon.

Sources: 한국 속담·전설 채록 (compiled from public materials)