Mongdal Ghost
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Basic Information
Threat Assessment
Overview
A ghost that becomes the spirit of a bachelor who died without marriage in Korean traditional folklore. Mongdal Ghost is a vengeful spirit that arises when someone who couldn't go through the marriage stage of normal life procedures dies, also called Bachelor Ghost, Young Lord Ghost, or Samtae Ghost. It's believed that the spirits of bachelors who died from lovesickness or who died without being able to marry become vengeful spirits that commit evil acts against humans. It's particularly thought to torment living people, especially unmarried women, or cause them to die from lovesickness.
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Characteristics & Behavior
Physical Description
Takes the form of a bachelor, usually appearing as a young and handsome man. However, his face still bears resentment and sorrow, showing a sad expression. Sometimes he appears wearing the same clothes he wore in life. A gloomy aura and energy of resentment can be felt around him.
Behavior Pattern
Torments living people, especially unmarried women, causing them to suffer from lovesickness. It appears in people's dreams or sometimes reveals itself directly, pleading for love. Once someone is captivated by it, that person gradually weakens and eventually dies. It also takes revenge on those who ignore or dismiss its funeral procession.
Legends & Stories
Summary
A story of a bachelor's spirit who died without marriage tormenting the living
Detailed Legend
Mongdal Ghost is a vengeful spirit that arises when someone who couldn't go through the marriage stage of normal life procedures dies. It's particularly believed that spirits of bachelors who died from lovesickness or who died without being able to marry become vengeful spirits that commit evil acts against humans. As seen in the story of Hwang Jin-i and the young lord, when a village bachelor who fell in love with 15-year-old Hwang Jin-i died from lovesickness without fulfilling his love, the funeral procession suddenly stopped moving when it passed in front of Hwang Jin-i's house. One method to appease the resentment of such Mongdal ghosts is the ghost marriage ceremony (死婚式) that unites them with maiden ghosts.
History & Origin
Origin
Derived from the resentment and sorrow of bachelors who died without marriage
Related Events
- •Legends of bachelor's sudden death
- •Story of Hwang Jin-i and the young lord
- •Ghost marriage customs
⚠️ Safety Measures
Media & Cultural References
Bachelor Ghosts and Ghost Marriages in Korean Folklore
Korean Folk Encyclopedia - Mongdal Ghost
Location Map
Other Ghosts
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