What is 'Jangseung hal-abeoji(장승할아버지)' in "Tale of the Nine Tailed(2020)"?

In May 2023, "Tale of Gumiho 1938" will be broadcasted. Before watching "Tale of Gumiho 1938", let's take a look at the characters from traditional Korean folktales that appeared in the episodes of the previous season, "Tale of Gumiho" Season 1.

What is the "Jangseung Grandfather(장승할아버지)'" 

The "Jangseung Grandfather" in "Tale of the Nine Tailed" can be found in Korean folktales. In Korea, it traditionally refers to a type of wooden totem pole erected in Korean villages to ward off evil spirits, and "할아버지" means "grandfather" in English. The Korean pronunciation is "Jangseung hal-abeoji".

What is the "Jangseung Grandfather" in "Tale of the Nine Tailed"? Episode 1.

Jangseung Grandfather helps Nam Jia, who is in danger due to Yi Rang's scheme. Nam Jia lost her parents in an accident in front of Yeogugae when she was young, and Jangseung Grandfather, who guarded the village near Yeougogae, witnessed the incident. Later, when Nam Jia is in danger of having another accident at 'Yeou-gogae', Jangseung Grandfather grabs and saves her to protect her from harm.

Korean folktales and grandfathers in folk legends vs grandfathers in the story of Tale of the Nine Tailed(2020).

In Korean folktales, the Jangseung Grandfather in the story is a guardian deity who protects the village. He is revered as a sacred being because of his role in preventing evil spirits from harming the village and keeping its people safe. It is said that if one harms the Jangseung Grandfather, they will fall ill, and to cure the illness, one must offer dried pollack and makgeolli (rice wine) to the Jangseung Grandfather while praying.

In the Korean drama "Gumiho: Tale of the Nine-Tailed," there is also a similar setting where the Jangseung Grandfather in the story disappears in the final scene. In the Jangseung Grandfather's eyes, there is a wound, and in front of him, there is a makgeolli (rice wine) that someone has brought. This setting is a direct reference to the explanation of the Jangseung Grandfatherr in Korean folktales.