Arangโs ghost is only one of the stories Korea has to offer. Full of mystery, and mysticism. This legend is one of my favorite ghost stories of all time.
A Beautiful Woman Locked Away
The story starts with a really beautiful lady named Arang who once arrived in Miryang, a city nearby Busan. Her dad was named the Magister of the city and took her with him. She was not only beautiful outside but had a very kind soul. However, her father was very protective and thought no man was enough for his daughter. He kept her locked in the house most of the time waiting for the โidealโ man to pursue her.
The Death of Arang
One day, a low-ranked soldier called Baekha fell in love with Arang immediately after seeing her once. But as expected, she had no interest in him. That night, the soldier tried to get closer to Arang through her maid who helped him secretly. Arang agreed to go out with her maid to observe the full moon. But eventually, the maid convinced her to stay for a few minutes and then Baekha appeared.
Arang agreed to stay for a bit but kept rejecting Baekha to the point he became outraged. Baekha was out of himself because Arang tried to run away. He ended up killing poor Arang and threw her body into the river.ย
Arangโs Ghost Revenge
Arangโs father blamed himself when she went missing. He believed that he had gone too far in trying to protect her and that she had run away to Seoul. He immediately left town in search of his daughter.
Once the Magister position was empty, every new Magister that went to fill the position ended up dying on their very first night on the job.ย Lee Sang Sa, a sergeant from Seoul decided to go and take charge to investigate what was going on.ย
While walking around at night, Sang Sa was able to meet Arangโs ghost face-to-face. She then told him the truth about her death. She indicated that her murderer will soon ask him for work, and a moth will fly thrice around his head.
She asked the new Magister to kill him and avenge her death. That will be the only way for her to rest in peace.ย She asked for the same from the previous Magisters but they all died of fear.
Justice for Arangโs Ghost
After a couple of days, just as Arangโs ghost said, Baekha applied to work for the Magister. A moth flew three times around his head during the interview. The new magister immediately ordered his capture and made him confess. He kept his promise to the ghost and that way Arang could rest in peace.
Even nowadays people believe that during the full moon, you are able to see Arangโs ghost floating around the river.
