As the chill of winter settles over South Korea, bringing with it longer nights and empty streets, an eerie quiet falls over the countryside and urban areas alike. For members of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) stationed here, winter can be a fascinating time to explore Korea’s unique blend of folklore and the supernatural. One of the most unsettling and mysterious tales you may encounter is the legend of the Gwisin (귀신)—a restless ghost said to wander the cold night—and her sinister counterpart, the “Girl in the Red Mask.”
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, this story is bound to linger with you, especially if you find yourself alone on a frosty night, hearing footsteps that seem just a bit too close…
Who (or What) Are the Gwisin?
Gwisin are Korea’s traditional ghosts, often resembling the lost spirits we’ve heard of in Western folklore, but with a distinct Korean twist. Gwisin are believed to be souls who passed away with unfinished business, usually in tragic or untimely ways, and now find themselves trapped between worlds. In Korea, they are often depicted as women with long black hair, dressed in flowing white funerary robes, moving through deserted places as silent sentinels of sorrow.
Unlike Western ghosts, who may inhabit homes or specific locations, gwisin are known to roam freely, appearing anywhere from abandoned buildings to lonely mountain paths and desolate city streets. They’re most active during the winter months, when the cold air and long nights are said to give them greater strength to walk the earth.
The Legend of the Girl in the Red Mask
Among the many gwisin, one spirit stands out as particularly chilling: the Girl in the Red Mask (also called Cheonyeo Gwisin in Korean, meaning "maiden ghost"). According to legend, she is a young woman who met a tragic and violent end, often portrayed as the result of betrayal or heartbreak, and her restless spirit now seeks something—or someone—she can never reclaim.
As the story goes, this ghost appears on deserted streets and alleyways, particularly during the colder months around Christmas and the New Year. She’s known to haunt areas near Itaewon, Namsan, and even Pyeongtaek. Dressed in red, often with a red mask or scarf obscuring her face, she quietly approaches lone travelers at night, drawn to those who seem isolated or lost.
Some say the Girl in the Red Mask will silently walk alongside you, matching your pace but never speaking. She may ask cryptic questions like, “Do you think I’m pretty?” or “Will you walk with me?” If you ignore her, she is said to curse you, bringing a streak of misfortune that follows you for months. If you answer her, she may reveal a ghostly, scarred face behind her red mask, letting out a wail before disappearing into the night.
An Encounter with the Girl in the Red Mask
For some, this legend is more than just a story. Reports from locals and visitors alike describe sightings of a lone figure in red, especially on icy winter nights when the streets are deserted. One account tells of a young soldier who encountered her late at night while walking back to base from a gathering with friends. He noticed a young woman in a red scarf standing at the end of an alley, watching him intently. Thinking she was lost or in need of help, he approached her, only to find she moved silently away, seemingly gliding.
He quickened his pace, yet she stayed just ahead, glancing back with dark, hollow eyes. When he finally turned to run, he heard soft, haunting laughter echoing through the cold air behind him. Later that night, he reportedly suffered vivid nightmares of a pale face with deep scars hidden beneath a crimson scarf. He awoke feeling a heaviness that seemed to follow him for weeks, casting a shadow over his time in Korea.
The Gwisin in Winter: Warnings for the Unwary
In South Korea, it’s said that the spirit world becomes more active as the days grow colder. The gwisin, especially those like the Girl in the Red Mask, are drawn to the loneliness that winter can bring. Some believe that winter’s chill makes it easier for these spirits to cross over into our world, slipping between shadows as we sleep or moving silently along empty roads.
For those stationed with USFK, especially those on late-night duty or exploring South Korea’s cities during the holiday season, it’s wise to keep a few superstitions in mind. Many Koreans advise against lingering in dark or deserted places, particularly after midnight, when the boundary between our world and the spirit world is thought to be at its thinnest.
A Chilling Reminder
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the story of the Gwisin and the Girl in the Red Mask serves as a powerful reminder of Korea’s deep respect for the spirit world and its rich history of folklore. For centuries, tales of gwisin have reminded people to look out for one another, to seek closure for those who may be suffering, and to respect the unknown.
So, as winter settles over South Korea, take caution on those dark, lonely streets, and remember the legend of the Girl in the Red Mask. Should you find yourself in her presence, tread carefully—and whatever you do, think twice before answering her questions.
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