(Oriental) Phoenix

 'The King of birds is Phoenix, the King of flowers is peony, the King of beasts is tiger.'
Like this saying, Phoenix is regarded as a chief of all birds in the East. In addition, in Korea, this creature is of great importance for Korean's sense. 'Phoenix is the best of all birds, this creature come out from the counties of Eastern gentleman. If this creature appears on the land,  the world will be peaceful.', says an old proverb. So, Phoenix became a symbol of an emperor. In the East, the palace door of an emperor is called as 'Phoenix palace' and 'Phoenix door'. The wagon of an emperor is called as 'Phoenix wagon', 'the Royal carriage'. A good friend is called as 'Phoenix companion'. A beatiful sound of pipe is called as 'Phoenix sound'. In this sense, we can know that Phoenix is cherish creature from the past in the East.

 'The cry of Phoenix is like sound of tungso. This creature didn't eat living insect and only eat bamboo fruit. Don't fly in disorder. This creature will not sit down without Paulownia coreana.'
From old times, Phoenix is regarded as a four numinous animal with Dragon, Kirin and Black turtle.
Imaginary creature, Phoenix appeared on folk painting, accessory and a pillow end of royal family.

This creature appeared at the Later Han and was introduced in Korea with Buddhism.

China's book -  山海經  describes Phoenix like this : Phoenix is similar to chicken but Phoenix has five color feather, makes five marvelous sound and dance.                  

                       -  說文 descrebes Phoenix like this : The appearence of the front is wild goose, back is turtle, neck is a snake, tail is a fish, scales are dragon, chin is swallow.

Nowdays, you can see Phoenix in handle of the seal of state(Korea) and front gate of  Cheongwadae(the Korean presidential residence).