Xiezhi
In Chinese and Korean mythology, the haetae (獬豸/해태) (often spelled haitai) is a legendary creature which resembles a lion but is, in fact, a fire-eating dog. It is believed as a guardian against disaster and prejudice. Furthermore, they are said to guard against all forms of disruptive or violent change. It has the body of a lion, and occasionally is depicted with a unicorn-like horn.[citation needed] (The haetae legend was adopted from Chinese mythos, and in Chinese, the creature is known as xiezhi.)
The haetae is also to be a symbol of water, due to their fire-eating qualities, and a symbol of justice.
Haetae sculpt in architecture was widely used in China and other Asian countries. In old Chinese dynasties, emperors always preferred to utilize this sacred animal to denote their justice. In other Asian countries, this sacred animal sculpt may have different meanings. For example, in Korea, the haetae sculpture was used in architecture earliest in Joseon Dynasty which was trusted to be able to protect Hanyang (now Seoul).