What is a taemong?
A taemong is a dream that announces a pregnancy. In Korea it is still common to ask a new parent, half seriously, “What was your taemong?” Many Koreans know the story of their own taemong, and K-dramas often use one to hint that a character is expecting.
Who has the dream?
Traditionally the mother-to-be, but it can just as well be the other parent, a grandparent or a close friend. Some people dream it before they know they are pregnant, and only recognize it later. Dreams around the time of conception or early pregnancy are the ones usually counted.
How do you know it's a taemong?
- It is unusually vivid
People often say they remembered every detail for days.
- A symbol comes to you
An animal, fruit or treasure comes into your arms, your house or your skirt, or you catch or receive it.
- It feels important
A sense that the dream means something, even before any news.
Simply dreaming that you are pregnant is usually not counted as a taemong. See pregnancy dreams.
Common taemong and what they are said to mean
PigA pig taemong is said to announce a child who will be comfortable in life and never go without.- DragonA dragon taemong is the most famous of all. It is said to announce a child who will grow up to do great things.
TigerA tiger taemong is said to announce a brave child who will become a leader.
SnakeA snake taemong is said to announce a wise, gentle child. Older generations often read it as a sign of a daughter, but that is folklore, not a rule.- FishA fish taemong, especially a carp or a big fish caught with your hands, is said to announce a healthy, prosperous child.
HorseA horse taemong is said to announce an active, independent child.- BearA bear taemong is said to announce a daughter who will grow up wise, patient and strong-willed.
- TurtleA turtle taemong is said to announce a child blessed with good health and a long life.
CowA cow taemong is said to announce a sturdy, diligent child who stays loyal to family.- FruitA fruit taemong is said to announce a healthy child, and some families guess the baby's traits from the fruit's color and size.
- FlowersA flower taemong is said to announce a graceful child who will be admired by many people.
- Gold or gold ringA gold taemong is said to announce a precious child who will be valued and successful.
- Sun or moonA sun or moon taemong is said to announce a child destined for an outstanding life.
Can a taemong tell you if it's a boy or a girl?
Folklore says so: older generations read tigers, dragons and big animals as boys, and snakes, flowers and jewels as girls. Today most Koreans treat this as a fun tradition, not a prediction. A taemong is a story to share with your child someday, not something to plan around.
Taemong come from Korean folk tradition. They are a cultural custom, not medical information. For anything about pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.