Ancient texts sometimes mention sentient speaking dragons, capable of understanding complex emotions such as devotion, kindness, and gratitude.

One particular Korean legend speaks of the great King Munmu, who on his deathbed wished to become a "Dragon of the East Sea in order to protect Korea".

Very occasionally a dragon may be depicted as carrying a giant orb known as the yeouiju (여의주), the Korean name for the mythical Cintamani, in its claws or its mouth.

The imugi is also called ishimi (이시미), miri (미리), yeongno (영노), gangcheori, kkwangcheori (꽝철이), kkangcheori (깡철이), bari (바리), hweryong (훼룡; 虺龍), or iryong (이룡; 螭龍).

According to the records in "Seongho saseol" (mid-18th century), Gangcheori is a venomous dragon that like to live in swamps or lakes, and emits a powerful heat that destroys moisture and causes drought.