Symbol

Korean word

Explanation

The sun

Hae

The sun is a constant source of light, in contrast to the ever-changing moon. It is the warming energy of Heaven that gives and nourishes life.

Mountains

San

Mountains seem to keep their shape forever.

Water

Su

Water, usually depicted in its moving forms such as

rivers, waves and waterfalls, is the Daoist symbol of

infinite flexibility of flowing form that avoid harm and

destruction, and can even overcome earth & stone.

Clouds

Gureum

Clouds are the heavenly form of water, ever

changing their forms and drifting without care.

Rocks / Stone

Dol

Rocks, stone, minerals and jewels are the hardest

and most enduring things in nature.

Pine trees

So-namu

Many pine species live for centuries , and they

remain evergreen even in the winter, indicating

vitality and aristocratic dignity.

Mushroom of immortality

Bullcho

This mythical kind of mushroom is famous in

Daoism as “growing in the land of the immortals”

and brings eternal life to those who eat it. It is

depicted as quite similar to the actual fungus that

grows on rotting logs known as Yeongji-beseot, a

valued and common ingredient in Oriental medicine

Turtles

Geobuk

Tortoises and sea-turtles are famous for living for

centuries throughout the Orient.

White cranes

Baek-hak

They are shown as companions of the Daoist

immortals, messengers that can communicate to

and from Heaven, and also Confucian symbols of

marital fidelity and the dignified grace of scholars.

Deer

Saseum

Also frequently companions of the Daoist immortals

in classical artworks. Thought of as especially

spiritual and gentle animals, and medicine made

from their horns increases human health and vitality.