Xiezhi

The Haetae (해태), also known as Haechi, is a mythical creature in Korean folklore, often depicted as a lion-like beast with a single horn on its forehead. It is a symbol of justice, wisdom, and the suppression of evil, and is often associated with the Haetae mask used in traditional Korean dances and rituals. The creature is also one of the four guardian animals in Korean mythology, alongside the dragon, the tiger, and the phoenix. In Korean, the term "해태" (pronounced as "hae-tae") translates to "lion" or "mythical lion." In Chinese, the creature is sometimes referred to as "海泰" (hǎi tài), while in Japanese, it may be called "海泰" (kaitai) or "海大" (kaidai). The Haetae is a significant cultural symbol in Korea, often featured in art, literature, and public monuments, such as the Haetae Statue in Seoul's Jung-gu district.