Haetae

The haetae, also called haechi, is a mythical creature known across East Asia. It comes from the Chinese xiezhi, a one-horned beast that looks a bit like an ox or goat, with thick dark fur and bright eyes. In Korea it is often pictured as a lion-like guardian.

Its special power is judging right from wrong. The legend says it can tell who is lying and rams the guilty with its horn. Because of this it became a symbol of justice, and it is also said to protect people from fire. In 2008 the city of Seoul chose the haetae, spelled Haechi, as its official symbol.

A judge with a horn

In the Chinese legend, the xiezhi was a one-horned sheep or goat that worked for Gao Yao, the minister of justice of the legendary Emperor Shun. When a case was unclear, the beast was told to butt the accused. It rammed the guilty and spared the innocent. Officials who enforced the law later wore a hat named after the creature, and its image was painted in government offices as a sign of fairness.

The haetae in Korea

Korean tradition describes the haetae as lion-like, with a horn like a kirin, bells at its neck and scales on its body. During the Joseon era it became the symbol of the Saheonbu, an office that watched over officials and enforced the law. Statues of haetae still stand near palaces and public buildings. Their job is to protect against fire and to keep people honest.

On the globe

The toy globe places the haetae in Seoul, the city that adopted it as its symbol. Zoom in to find the guardian beast.