It is most likely the tiger. Korea's terrain consists mostly of mountains and thus was inhabited by many tigers in ancient times, earning Korea the mane "Tiger Country." During the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, the mascot known as "Hodori the Tiger" represented Korea. Equipped with a powerful physique and great agility when hunting its prey, as well as exceptional intelligence and imposing grace, the king of the beasts was variously described as the "living grace," "mountain god," "mountain hero" among other names. The tiger was understood to be a brutal beast that heralded catastrophes, but was at the same time a sacred creature that drove away evil spirits. It was also treated as a courteous animal that would repay a favor or kindness in return, or at times an idiot easily fooled. Thus the tiger was loved, hated, feared or respected by our Korean ancestors.

"The very first appearance of tigers in the Korean Peninsula dates back some 30,000 years. The Korean tiger has been used to epitomize the Korean spirit in countless works: A wish for prosperity is evident in the tiger depicted in the Petroglyphs at Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri, Ulju; the talismanic symbol in the "tiger-shaped buckle" (虎形帶鉤) dating from the Bronze Age; the youthful artistry and humor found in folk artifacts such as roof-end tiles (瓦當) and ceramics; and the simple honesty and religious prayers manifested in "Minhwa" (folk paintings) and "Sansindo" paintings among others. People born in the Year of the Tiger are often precocious at a young age and masterful when leading a great number of people. They tend to succeed early in life and exude an air of superiority. They can become the subjects of respect, as they have a sense of strong responsibility. People born in the Year of the Tiger are also impulsive and highly energetic, and since they like to hustle a lot, they can rush into things out of sheer impatience. Being suspicious, they hesitate or make decisions prematurely. They find it difficult to trust others or control their emotions. Because they tend to rush in all matters, often in a blitz, they often fail in business. But as impetuous as they are, they can also be serious, warm, friendly and generous. Due to their chivalrous spirit they would rather o help others than focus on their own causes, and if they do, they tend to help until the end. If dejected, people born in the Year of the Tiger need authentic sympathy. So don’t be a miser if you want to offer consolation to a person born in the Year of the Tiger. If the situation is reversed, he or she will repay you two-fold.