Gwisin

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Gwisin
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationGwisin
McCune–ReischauerKwisin

Gwisin (Korean: 귀신) are a type of spirit or ghost in Korean folklore. They are considered similar to a Yogoe (Korean: 요괴);, and Mamul (Korean: 마물); they are people who have died, not monsters or creatures such as Dokkaebi.[1]

These spirits may be found in many places, but most commonly in abandoned buildings, houses, cemeteries, forests, and schools. When a person dies without completing something that they must do (e.g. revenge or staying longer with their family), their spirit remains on earth to complete the task before going on to the underworld.[1] However, very strong gwisin do not go to the underground world if they want to remain on earth, and over time these gain strength.

Legends[]

There are a lot of legends about Gwisin. Because they are a common form of ghost, children often make them up to scare others or parents tell stories to their children to teach them a lesson. Most legends are about revenge,[1] revenge for their families or about men who cheated on their wives, or murdered the victim.

Appearances of Gwisin often occur in high schools, a concept popularized with the release of Whispering Corridors, a Korean horror movie released in 1998.

Physical characteristics[]

Gwisin are usually transparent, legless and float in mid-air.[1] Female Gwisin usually have white Hanbok (한복) which are worn for funerals.[1] They have long, drooping black hair and sometimes they are faceless, depending on their personality. Male Gwisin are somewhat rare, and may appear different.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e Jon Dunbar (December 15, 2011). "Supernatural Creatures of Korean Mythology". Archived from the original on March 20, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2012.

External links[]

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