Homonym: 도적 (Bandit)
"도적" is a Korean term that translates to "bandit" or "thief." Historically, 도적 referred to individuals who engaged in robbery or theft, often in a violent manner. They were typically seen as outlaws who operated outside the law, targeting travelers or villages to steal goods and resources.
In Korean folklore and literature, 도적 are sometimes portrayed as anti-heroes or figures of rebellion against oppressive systems. Stories often depict them as skilled fighters, similar to the legendary Robin Hood, who steal from the rich to help the poor. This duality adds complexity to their character in cultural narratives.