Long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Silla, a supernatural being named Bihyeong was born from a mystical union between a mortal woman and the spirit of a late king. The 25th king of Silla, Jinji, had fallen deeply in love with a beautiful woman named Dohwa-nyeo, but she refused him because she was already married. Two years after King Jinji’s death, Dohwa-nyeo’s husband also passed away. It was then that the spirit of King Jinji appeared to her, reminding her of the promise they once shared. From this extraordinary meeting, Bihyeong came into the world, a child unlike any other.
As he grew, Bihyeong displayed extraordinary powers. Every night, he would fly over the mountains and roam freely, accompanied by a host of Dokkaebi, mischievous goblin-like spirits from Korean folklore. Curious about the unusual activity, King Jinpyeong, Jinji’s successor, sent his men to observe. They discovered that each night, Bihyeong led the Dokkaebi to a northern stream near the capital, where they sang, danced, and played under his command. Impressed by his abilities, the king summoned Bihyeong and gave him a task: “If you can control these spirits, have them build a bridge over the northern stream by dawn.” By the next morning, under Bihyeong’s leadership, the goblins completed a sturdy stone bridge, later known as Gwi-gyo, or the Bridge of Ghosts.
Bihyeong’s powers were not limited to construction. He used the Dokkaebi to protect the forests and maintain order among humans. Among his followers was a goblin named Gildal, whom Bihyeong introduced to the king as an assistant for royal duties. But Gildal’s true nature soon emerged; he revealed himself as a cunning, malevolent fox spirit. Escaping into the mountains, he caused chaos, killing wildlife and disturbing the harmony of the forests. Bihyeong personally pursued and defeated Gildal, restoring balance and demonstrating that even great power must serve justice and protect the natural world.
From that time on, Bihyeong became a symbol of protection against evil spirits. People believed that simply displaying a painting of him or writing his name at the entrance of a home would ward off mischievous spirits and malevolent forces. Ancient texts and poems often proclaimed:
"This is the home of Bihyeong, the king’s divine son. O wicked spirits, do not step foot here!"
The story of Bihyeong teaches children and adults alike the values of integrity, responsibility, and courage. Though born of supernatural origins and wielding dark powers, Bihyeong chose to use his gifts to serve the kingdom, protect the innocent, and uphold righteousness, becoming a lasting hero in Korean folklore.