Dreaming of a dragon
Lucky in KoreaIn the West a dragon usually stands for raw power, a challenge you have to face, or a fierce part of your own personality.
A dragon is the king of good dreams in Korea. Dragons rule the sky and the water, so a dragon dream is read as a sign of success, recognition and rising status. Students hope for one before an exam and job seekers before an interview. The phrase 'a dragon rose from a small stream' is still used for someone who succeeds from humble beginnings.
Dragon dreams, scene by scene
- A dragon flies up into the skyGood sign
Success and promotion. One of the best dreams there is.
- You ride a dragonGood sign
You will reach a position of influence.
- A dragon comes out of waterGood sign
Something you have worked on quietly comes to light.
- A dragon falls or diesTake care
A setback or a plan that stalls. Take extra care.
The Korean story behind dragon dreams
In old Korea the dragon, called yong (용), was believed to control rain, rivers and the sea. For rice farmers who needed the right amount of water each season, that made it a powerful protector. The dragon was also a royal emblem. A Joseon king's formal robe bore dragon designs, and even the king's face was politely called yong-an, the dragon face. A well-known image from East Asian lore shows a carp leaping up a waterfall and turning into a dragon. That story gave Korean the word deungyongmun, the gate of the dragon's ascent, which still describes a hard test that opens the way to success. Dreaming of a dragon draws on all of this.
Could a dragon dream be a taemong?
A dragon taemong is the most famous of all. It is said to announce a child who will grow up to do great things.
Dragon dream: what people do next
Students and job seekers who dream of a dragon often feel a boost of confidence before a big test or interview. Many keep the dream to themselves until the results come out. A lottery ticket is a popular extra. If the dreamer or someone close is expecting, the family may happily talk about it as a possible taemong, a dream said to announce a baby's birth.