The Tale of Hong Gildong

by Heo Gyun · 2026-08-25

One day, Gil-dong commanded his subordinates.

“I will go into Mangdangsan Mountain and dig up herbs for the medicine to coat arrowheads.”

Then he set off and arrived at Nakcheon-hyeon.

In that village lived a wealthy man with vast land holdings, named Baek-yong.

He had no sons, but an only daughter born early, who possessed both virtue and beauty.

Her beauty was such that fish would forget how to swim and geese would descend, and her figure was such that the moon would hide and flowers would blush.

She had read widely from ancient texts, possessing the literary prowess of Yi Baek and Du Fu,

Her beauty was comparable to the Janggang River, and her wifely virtues emulated those of Tae-sa, with courtesy permeating her words and actions.

Her parents loved her dearly and were in the midst of seeking a suitable son-in-law.

It was one day when their daughter turned eighteen.

A great storm of wind and rain erupted, making it impossible to distinguish nearby objects, and thunder and lightning shook the ground.

Then, Miss Baek was nowhere to be found.

Mr. and Mrs. Baek-yong lost their minds, their faces turning pale, and they scattered a thousand pieces of gold searching everywhere, but there was no trace of her.

Baek-yong wandered the streets like a lost soul, posting notices.

‘Whoever finds out where my daughter is and informs me, I will take him as my son-in-law and divide half of my fortune with him.’

Meanwhile, Gil-dong had entered Mangdangsan Mountain and was digging for herbs.

After nightfall, I wandered aimlessly, not knowing where to go.

Suddenly, he looked in one direction and saw a light, hearing the clamor of many people.

With a joyful heart, he went to that place and found hundreds of creatures gathered, playing and enjoying themselves.

Upon closer inspection, they were not humans but beasts, though their forms resembled humans.

He felt suspicious in his heart, so he hid himself and observed their actions.

These beasts were originally called Ul-dong.

Gil-dong quietly drew his bow and shot the leader sitting in the highest position.

The arrow struck him directly in the chest.

The Ul-dong were greatly startled and screamed, then ran away.

Gil-dong chased after them, trying to catch them, but the night was already deep, so he leaned against a pine tree and spent the night there.

The next day, at dawn, he examined the area and found blood shed by the beast.

Following the bloodstains for a few li, he found a large house that was extremely magnificent.

When he knocked on the door, a soldier came out and, seeing Gil-dong, asked,

"What kind of person are you to have come here?"

Gil-dong replied,

"I am a Joseon man. I came to this mountain to gather herbs, got lost, and ended up here."

The beast showed signs of welcome and said,

"Do you know medicine?"

"Our great king had just acquired a new beauty and was enjoying a feast last night."

"But a sudden arrow flew in and struck the king's chest, and now he is on the verge of death."

"Today, fortunately, I met you. If you know medicine, please cure our great king's illness."

Gil-dong replied,

"Although I do not possess the skill of Pyeon-jak, I can easily treat most illnesses."

The soldier was greatly pleased and went inside, then soon invited Gil-dong in.

When Gil-dong entered and sat down, the leader beast groaned and said,

"My life was at the point where I couldn't last another day, but heaven helped me meet you, sir."

"Please tell me a good medicine and save my remaining life."

Gil-dong examined the wound and said,

"This is not a difficult illness."

"I have a good medicine; if you take it once, not only will the wound heal, but all kinds of illnesses will disappear, and you will live long and not die."

The Ul-dong was greatly pleased and said,

“I brought this misfortune upon myself by not taking care of my body, and my life almost went to the underworld.”

“Heaven helped me meet a renowned physician, so please, Master, quickly administer that excellent medicine.”

Gil-dong opened the silk pouch, took out a packet of medicine, mixed it with wine, and gave it to him.

The beast took it and drank it, then soon twisted its body and let out a loud cry.

“I have no enmity with you, so why do you seek to harm and kill me!”

Then, it called its younger siblings.