28) Korea - 12. Terukson (Hairy Hand)

This is a legend passed down among the seafarers of the Gyeongnam region for a long time. It's a type of sea goblin that is said to steal 'donggot,' an ornamental hairpin used to secure a topknot, by reaching up with its hairy hands from the water and dragging people into the sea. There was a skilled boatman in Geoje Island. One day, while sailing a large ship and passing through Chilcheon Island, he encountered a fierce north wind and had no choice but to drop anchor and sleep at sea. However, he felt an eerie presence in his sleep and woke up to find the door open and cold wind blowing in. Looking outside, he saw the Terukson climbing onto the ship. Remembering the tales that one would be dragged into the sea if their donggot was stolen by the Terukson, the boatman tightly gripped his own donggot with his hand, trying with all his might not to lose it. After a prolonged struggle with the boatman over the donggot, the Terukson seemed to give up and disappeared back into the sea. After this incident, the boatman would always warn people working at sea to be cautious of the Terukson whenever he met them.