Inmyeonjo

Inmyeonjo (Korean: 인면조; Hanja: 人面鳥; literally "human-faced bird") is a mythological creature from Korea, depicted as a bird with a human face. These beings are typically portrayed as female, though male versions also exist.

Regarded as a sacred creature that links the heavens and the earth, Inmyeonjo frequently appears in mural paintings from the Three Kingdoms period of Korea. In the Goguryeo kingdom, it can be seen in several tomb murals, including those in Anak County, the ancient tombs of Dukheungri, Samsilchong, and Mooyongchong. In the Dukheungri tombs located in Nampo, South Pyongan Province—discovered in 1976—the creatures are named Cheonchu (天秋) and Mansei (萬歲). They are considered symbols of longevity, believed to live for a thousand years.

In the Silla kingdom, Inmyeonjo imagery appears on gilt-bronze shoes unearthed in Gyeongju. In Baekje, four Inmyeonjo figures are found on the Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje. Additionally, some scholars believe the bird depicted on the Silver Cup with Bronze Stand (銅托銀盞) represents the same Inmyeonjo figure seen in Goguryeo art, reinforcing its association with long life. However, others argue it may represent Kalaviṅka, a mythical being from ancient Indian and Buddhist traditions known for conveying the Buddha’s teachings, due to its winged form.

A large puppet of Inmyeonjo gained international attention during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, where it went viral on social media.