11) Korea - 5. Bulgasari

Bulgasari is a monster from Korean folklore that grows larger the more iron it eats and is said to repel evil spirits and malevolent energy. Its described form varies, with the most famous depiction being a creature with the head of a lion, the trunk of an elephant, the legs of a tiger, the feet of a bear, and the tail of a cow. Depending on the legend, it can also appear as a rat or insect, sometimes with wings. There are two main theories regarding the origin of its name: one suggests it comes from 'bul+gasal' (불+가살, 可殺), meaning 'can be killed by fire,' while another suggests it comes from 'bulgasal' (불가살, 不可殺), meaning 'cannot be killed.' In the latter case, setting it on fire does not kill it; instead, it rampages while burning, causing greater damage. There are many folktales related to Bulgasari, which typically follow this pattern: 1. A doll made from leftover rice by a monk or an old couple comes to life, becoming a monster that eats iron and grows. 2. The army is dispatched due to the excessively large Bulgasari, but they are unable to kill it. 3. The person who created Bulgasari or a passing monk sets it on fire or attaches a talisman, causing it to regurgitate the iron it consumed and shrink back down.