Kyeryong resemble small dragons but with avian heads and upper body features resembling roosters or hens. In some lands they are rare and revered by shamans and monks as guardians of sacred mountains and pools, but in other regions they are quite common and in such places they are regularly hunted for their meat. Each type of kyeryong embodies an aspect of their origin that is reflected in their powers.

The mountain kyeryongs usually choose flight over fight, using their climbing skills to flee and their hard shells to protect themselves. When fight is unavoidable, they tend to pounce down upon their prey. A neat little trick-their shells make convenient soup bowls.