The Dragon Palace of Korea – Legends of the Sea King Beneath the Waves
Across the coasts of the Korean Peninsula, hidden beneath the crashing waves and shimmering tides, lies the mythical realm of Yonggung (용궁)—the Dragon King’s palace. Known as "Yongwang's Underwater Kingdom", this legendary place has captured the Korean imagination for centuries through folktales, shamanistic rituals, temple architecture, and seaside shrines.
More than just a fantasy, the Korean Dragon Palace is a symbol of power, protection, and prosperity, deeply woven into the country’s mythological and spiritual history. In this article, we’ll explore what the Dragon Palace is, who lives there, and why it still matters in Korean culture today.
1. Who is Yongwang – The Dragon King?
Yongwang (용왕), or the Dragon King, is a powerful deity who rules the sea and commands the creatures of the ocean. Unlike Western dragons, Korean dragons are benevolent, wise, and often associated with rainfall, fertility, and protection.
In Korean mythology, the Dragon King:
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Lives in a grand palace beneath the sea.
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Controls the weather and tides.
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Rewards humans who act with kindness and courage.
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Punishes greed, arrogance, or environmental disrespect.
Yongwang appears in many traditional tales as a guardian of justice, sometimes offering magical gifts to mortals who find his underwater palace.
2. The Dragon Palace – Yonggung (용궁)
Yonggung is not just a myth—it is a conceptual realm and a powerful archetype. Descriptions from stories portray it as:
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A glittering palace made of coral, shells, and pearls.
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Guarded by sea creatures like giant turtles, serpents, and fish spirits.
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A space outside human time, where one day can equal a hundred years on land.
In folklore, fishermen are sometimes said to fall into the sea during storms, only to wake up in Yonggung, treated to royal feasts, given treasure, or sent back to deliver messages to humans.
3. Famous Legends and Folk Tales
One of the most famous Korean folktales involving Yonggung is:
The Story of Simcheong (심청전)
Simcheong, a devoted daughter, sacrifices herself to the sea to restore her blind father’s sight. Instead of drowning, she is taken to Yonggung, where the Dragon King is moved by her selflessness. She later returns to the human world and is miraculously reunited with her father, who regains his vision.
Other stories speak of:
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The Turtle and the Rabbit: A tale where the Dragon King, ill in his palace, sends a turtle to trick a rabbit into offering his liver.
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Local shamans receiving dreams or visions from the Dragon Palace, then traveling spiritually to ask for favors like rainfall or healing.
4. Where Can You Experience Yonggung Today?
Though invisible, Yonggung is everywhere in Korean coastal culture. You can find references to it in:
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Haedong Yonggungsa (해동 용궁사): A stunning seaside Buddhist temple near Busan, dedicated to the Sea Buddha and Dragon King.
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Shaman rituals (gut): Performed by seaside mudangs to ask Yongwang for safety, luck, or bountiful catches.
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Shrines on fishing boats: Small dragon figurines or calligraphy invoking Yongwang’s protection.
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Children’s tales and animation: Yonggung appears as an underwater utopia full of mystery and wonder.
5. Cultural Meaning and Modern Resonance
In an age of climate change and environmental degradation, Yonggung and Yongwang represent more than myths. They remind us that:
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The sea is sacred, alive, and deserves respect.
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Nature gives and takes—and balance must be kept.
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The stories we tell about deities reflect our values toward justice, sacrifice, and humility.
In modern Korea, the image of the dragon still carries weight, used in festivals, architecture, and even business logos—always reminding the people of a mystical kingdom beneath the sea that watches over them.
Q&A
Q1. Is the Dragon King in Korea similar to the Chinese Longwang?
A1. Yes. They share similar origins in East Asian mythology, but Korea has unique stories and folk practices that make Yongwang distinct.
Q2. Is there a real place called Yonggung?
A2. Yes! The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan is named after the Dragon Palace and built near the sea as a spiritual gateway.
Q3. Do people still believe in the Dragon King today?
A3. While not always literally, many fishermen and shamans still honor Yongwang through rituals, especially in coastal regions.
