The Korean Tiger

The first story, Dan-Gun, First Emperor of Korea, featured in Korean Folk-tales (Riordan, 1994, pp.1-3) describes the foundation myth of Korea. A bear and a tiger, who lived in a cave, were summoned by Hwan-Ung, The Heavenly Prince. He said to them:

"I have chosen you to become the first humans," he told them. "Here, take these twenty garlic bulbs and this mugwort plant; eat them and remain deep in your cave for a hundred days. When you emerge into daylight you will be man and woman."

Riordan (1994, p.2)

Initial Project Ideas

Is it possible to develop varied and unique creature designs based on South Korean mythology? South Korean mythology is a relatively untapped source of inspiration in Western popular culture. In comparison with Japanese mythology, for example, there is enormous potential to create a unique range of iconic imagery.

The intention of this Masters Project is to design a range of creatures based on the real world and mythical creatures that feature in South Korean mythology. The creatures could exist together in a closed ecosystem, such as an island for example. Several environments and key narrative moments, based on this closed ecosystem, will also be explored. The environments and key moments researched, together with the creature designs, will form visual development suitable for an animation or ‘indie’ game inspired by South Korean mythology.

The body of visual work will be presented in the form of an art book. In order to be a unique and engaging presentation, the art book will be organised as a ‘found journal’ to exist in the imaginary world of the animation / game.

Allowances will be made for development and changes to the plan that may occur during the creative process.