The latest Netflix Korean series craze, " The East Palace" starring Nam Joo-hyuk and No Yoon-seo, is not just the leads who are talked about, but also a character who stole the scene and went viral, namely " Gomoksari " (pronounced Go-mok-sa-ri), a tiny black spirit with big eyes and a cute appearance who loves eating tteok, leaving many to wonder if this character was newly created or really based on Korean beliefs.
Gomoksari (꺼먹살이) is a spirit or supernatural being appearing in Korean folk tales, marked by its completely black body. The word " Gomok " in Korean means "black" or "pitch black." This tiny spirit is believed to be about the size of a three-year-old child, entirely black from head to toe, and usually emerges in deserted areas, especially at mountain foothills or forest curves at night.
What distinguishes Gomoksari from other spirits is that it does not attack humans immediately but uses strange behavior to instill fear, such as running in circles, cutting in front and behind, and repeatedly saying, " I am Gomoksari " as if announcing itself to frighten onlookers.
Some regions in Korea believe that if people panic and run away, Gomoksari will joyfully chase after them. However, if confronted without fear, it usually retreats on its own. Thus, this spirit is seen as both a symbol of " fear " and a " test of the traveler’s spirit " during nighttime journeys.
Gomoksari comes from Korean folklore passed down since the Joseon dynasty. It tells of an elderly woman walking home late after milling rice. Passing a mountain bend, she saw a small black shadow jump from the bushes, running around quickly while shouting repeatedly, " I am Gomoksari ". Instead of being scared, the old woman scolded the mysterious spirit fearlessly, having encountered supernatural beings many times before. Seeing her lack of fear, it slowly backed away, though it followed and murmured its name all the way. Upon reaching a stream, the woman challenged it to cross the water, but Gomoksari stopped at the bank and vanished into darkness.
This story led to the belief that "
Gomoksari cannot cross water " and that those who survive encounters with this tiny spirit must have a strong mind. Though unconfirmed as true, the tale is a cherished Korean folk story that shaped the image of Gomoksari as a playful spirit who enjoys teasing people. From folk spirit to reimagined character in the series "The East Palace" (2026)
The East Palace " the character " Gomoksari " appears but is adapted by borrowing only the basic appearance and concept. Gomoksari remains small, black, and endearing but is described as one of the " Maewi "—spirits born from grudges, fear, and negative energy accumulating in the royal palace. Thus, Gomoksari is no longer just a playful spirit from tales but possesses the power to absorb human life force and plays a key role in the supernatural mysteries within the East Palace, becoming a companion aiding the exorcist hero, "
Gucheon ". This reinterpretation in the series " The East Palace " gives
Gomoksari greater depth as both a fantasy character and a symbol of past wounds, while preserving the essence of Korean folklore. Why "Gomoksari" stole the spotlight in the Korean series "The East Palace" Although the original origin story of Gomoksari
This blend of cuteness with eeriness, combined with its role assisting the hero, makes the character " Gomoksari " charming and memorable. Viewers feel both affection and caution because beneath its harmless look hides a spirit capable of draining life force and bringing death to humans.