Name
Yong / Imugi
Korean
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Dragon Myth Entry
Korean
Yong / Imugi
Korea
Some dragon forms here are not born complete - they ascend into legend. The Imugi, a lesser serpent, must endure centuries before earning its place among the heavens.
Associated With
Transformation, ascension, protection, blessing
Atmosphere
Some dragon forms here are not born complete - they ascend into legend.
Region
Korea
Medieval chronicles into living yongwang ritual
Atlas Context
This entry is part of Where Dragons Dwell, an interactive atlas of dragon myths and sacred serpent traditions across world cultures.
Sources & Further Reading
Every reference below was verified against a live URL or a standard published edition. Primary texts and foundational ethnographic records are marked primary; modern academic studies and museum resources follow.
Iryeon 一然 · c. 1281
Key premodern source for Korean dragon legends, including King Munmu's vow to become a sea dragon guarding Silla.
- Scholarship
James Huntley Grayson · 2001
Annotated scholarly compendium of Korean myth and folktale types, including dragon and serpent narratives.
National Folk Museum of Korea · online edition
Museum-published encyclopedia entry documenting dragon-combat tale types in Korean oral tradition.