56) Korea - 23. Mokyeogeo

The Chinese characters mean 'eyes like torches.' It is described as being several dozen feet tall, wearing a conical hat, with a round face and eyes that shine like torches. It is said to emit intense heat and be able to fly. During the Joseon Dynasty, Seong-hyeon encountered it, and by remaining calm without panic, it disappeared. The following is an excerpt from Seong-hyeon's 'Yongjaechonghwa.' Seong-hyeon was returning home drunk along the Namgang River (near present-day Yongsan) when a drizzle began. His horse suddenly foamed at the mouth and refused to move. Suddenly, a warm, fire-like sensation brushed his face. Looking towards a valley to the east of the road, he saw a person wearing a conical hat, standing tall, dozens of feet high. The person had a face as round as a small table and eyes that shone like torches. Seong-hyeon thought, 'If I don't pull myself together, I'll be taken by that thing.' He stopped his horse and stared for a long time. The figure then turned its head, looked up at the sky, and flew away into the distant heavens.