Susalgui
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Basic Information
Threat Assessment
Overview
In Korean tradition, this is the spirit of a person who died by drowning. Susalgui is written in Chinese characters as '수사귀(水死鬼)' or '수살귀(水殺鬼)', called susalgui in shamanic contexts and 'long-fingered water ghost' in folktales. Along with maiden ghosts, it's one of the most feared spirits by shamans, considered the most vicious among all vengeful spirits. Unable to accept the fact of drowning, it harbors resentment and tries to drag others into the water to share the same fate. As it ages, its ghostly power strengthens, able to enchant even people just passing by the waterside and lure them into the water.
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Characteristics & Behavior
Physical Description
Maintains the appearance from the time of drowning, with the entire body swollen from water. Hair hangs long like water weeds, and fingers are elongated like tendrils, earning the name 'long-fingered water ghost.' Face is pale and eyes are cloudy like dead fish. Always dripping with water and emanates cold energy and water smell.
Behavior Pattern
Mainly stays in the water where it died or in deep water, targeting people passing by. Initially appears as if asking for help, then suddenly grabs ankles to drag victims underwater. More active at night and mainly targets children who are less wary of water. Once caught by susalgui, it's very difficult to escape from the water.
Legends & Stories
Summary
Story of spirits of drowning victims dragging others into water
Detailed Legend
Susalgui is a representative ghost symbolizing warnings and fears about water in Korean tradition. It's a vengeful spirit formed when the soul of a drowning victim cannot accept their death and harbors resentment, trying to make others share the same fate. It appears even in folk songs like 'Okdanchun Song' with the verse 'Don't sit in the middle of water, the water ghost spirit approaches.' It's one of the most feared spirits by shamans, handled with special care in rituals along with maiden ghosts. When someone drowns, even if the body is recovered, soul-retrieving rituals or spirit-retrieving ceremonies must be performed, because the drowned soul cannot ascend and continues to remain in the cold water. As it ages, its ghostly power strengthens, believed to be able to enchant and drag into water even people simply passing by the waterside.
History & Origin
Origin
Resentment and sorrow of those who died by drowning
Related Events
- •Successive drowning accidents after initial drowning
- •Serial disappearances near waterside
- •Soul-retrieving ritual ceremonies
⚠️ Safety Measures
Media & Cultural References
Okdanchun Song - Verses related to water ghost spirits
Korean Traditional Water Ghosts and Water Safety
Location Map
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