Dokkaebi (Korea)

Dokkaebi are impish nature spirits featured in several Korean folktales. They share some characteristics with yokai from Japan and fairies from the West. But they are distinct from gwishin (ghosts) because they do not originate from the souls of the dead. Instead, they come into existence when mundane tools and objects develop souls of their own. It is believed that items stained with human blood are especially prone to becoming dokkabei.

Dokkaebi possess magical abilities and can bestow fortune and prosperity upon humans. However, they are often mischievous, taking delight in playing tricks on people. For instance, dokkaebi would cut trees to block forest trails and harass travelers. When travelers try to use the trails, the dokkaebi challenge them to a wrestling match. Since dokkaebi are excellent wrestlers, beating them in this game is nearly impossible for an ordinary person.

Read more about dokkaebi in Ghosts, Spirits and Paranormal Entities from Asian Folklore and Mythology (Book 1).