Imagery
Ho-Am Art Museum Garden
This mythical creature is called a haetae. I have heard a number of theories as to its function—for example, some say that it represents eum or yin and is thus able to guard against fire, which is why it is often seen at palace entrances—but in general I think it is safe to say that it is a guardian creature.
This haetae sits at the entrance to the cherry blossom road pictured toward the beginning of this gallery (if you look closely at that photo you can see the two haetae statues flanking the road), and I took this photo on our way back to the car.