1. The Monkey King:
- The Monkey King, known as "Son Goku" or "Sun Wukong," is a central figure in Korean folklore and appears in various stories.
- Son Goku is a powerful and mischievous monkey with supernatural abilities, like the ability to transform, create clones, and travel great distances.
- He is often portrayed as a trickster who defies authority but also possesses a deep sense of loyalty and righteousness.
2. Monkey as a Messenger:
- Monkeys are sometimes regarded as messengers or mediators between the human and spirit realms.
- In certain tales, they serve as intermediaries, conveying messages or warnings from the spirit world to humans.
3. Monkey as a Symbol of Luck and Prosperity:
- In Korean folklore, monkeys are associated with good luck, prosperity, and fertility.
- Monkeys are often depicted in traditional paintings and sculptures as symbols of wealth and abundance.
4. Monkey as a Protective Spirit:
- In some Korean folktales, monkeys are believed to possess protective powers and are invoked for protection against evil spirits and misfortunes.
5. The Tale of the Monkey and the Peach:
- This popular Korean folktale involves a monkey who steals peaches from a celestial orchard.
- The story symbolizes the pursuit of immortality or the desire for things that are beyond one's reach.
6. Monkey Legends and Traditions:
- Korea has several regions with legends and traditions centered around monkeys.
- For instance, the city of Gyeongju houses a famous mountain called Tohamsan, which is associated with stories of monkeys and is considered a sacred place.
These mythical aspects of monkeys in Korean culture reflect the significance and diversity of symbolism associated with these animals in Korean mythology and folklore.