In Korea, there is a type of story that begins with, "Once upon a time, in the
days when tigers smoked cigarettes, in a certain village...", a story known as
'folklore'. Folklore is an important part of Korean Folklore,
encompassing myths, anecdotes, legends, origin stories, and folk tales.
These folklore stories are fictional tales with a certain structure, and they
do not include personal anecdotes or historical facts.
Korean Folklore : Fascinating Stories Passed Down Through Generations in
Korea
Folklore is passed down through oral tradition, and since Korean Legends are
stories shared orally, they evolve over time with added details, causing
slight variations in the story from region to region. However, through
these characteristics of Korean Folklore, we can gain insight into the
worldview, values, and spirit of the time. The folklore that has
survived and been passed down to this day includes fundamental values of human
society, such as the triumph of good over evil, the importance of virtue, and
the transformation of adversity into blessing. Today, i will introduce
stories from Korea based on three major themes found in the folklore that have
been handed down through generations.
Stories of Goddesses
Gods are generally considered male, but there are many female deities associated with life and birth. In Korea, there are various stories about goddesses, and among them, many goddess tales are said to have been passed down in Jeju Island. Here, I will introduce two representative goddesses from Jeju : Guseul Halmang and Jacheongbi.
1. Guseul Halmang
It means "the grandmother who learned to dive and collect pearls (jewels)." It is the founding myth of the Naju Kim family. The story tells of Mr.Heo, a woman who entered Jeju with the help of a Kim family sailor. As she grew, she became a diver, collecting pearls from abalones and using them to lift her family's fortunes. This story is closely related to Jeju Mythology and is considered the origin of the modern-day Haenyeo (Female divers) of Jeju.
2. Jacheongbi
It means "one who was born by her own request." She is a daughter born into a family that had been childless for a long time. Disguising herself as a man, she went to take the state examination, where she met and fell in love with Mundoryeong, the son of the Emperor. They married, but when Mundoryeong was killed by rebel forces, Jacheongbi subdued the rebels and brought him back to life. For her achievements, she was granted seeds of the five grains from the heavens, which she brought to the human world, becoming a goddess of agriculture. This story is an important example of Korean Goddess Stories, carrying significant symbols related to the mythology of agriculture.
Stories Related to Temples
Across South Korea, temples are often found in places with beautiful landscapes and auspicious sites. Most ancient temples have their own founding legends, passed down through generations. Stories related to temples among Korean Legends carry rich historical backgrounds and valuable lessons.
1. Naksansa Temple
Naksansa Temple in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, is a temple said to have been visited by two prominent monks of the Unified Silla period, Uisang and Wonhyo, in their quest to meet the true form of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. According to the legend, Uisang, after completing his spiritual purification, encountered the true form of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and established Naksansa Temple.
However, Wonhyo failed to recognize a woman he met on the way to Naksansa as the true form of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Consequently, he neither entered the cave where Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva was believed to reside nor reached Naksansa, eventually leaving without fulfilling his quest. This story is related to Korean Cultural Stories and conveys an important lesson among the Korean Legends.
2. Buseoksa Temple
During his studies abroad, Lady Sunmyo fell in love with Master Uisang, but upon learning that he had no intention of marrying, she transformed into a dragon to protect him. After Master Uisang returned to Silla, he sought to spread the teachings of the Flower Garland Sutra (Hwaeom philosophy) at Bonghwang Mountain in Yeongju.
The dragon then transformed into a massive boulder that hung precariously over the temple site, frightening monks of other sects into leaving. Master Uisang took over the temple and named it Buseoosa, meaning "Floating Stone Temple," in reference to the giant boulder that seemed to float above the temple grounds. This story is one of the Korean Legends and is connected to Korean Cultural Stories.
3. Yonggunsa Temple
A fisherman named Son from Yeongjong Island went fishing for yellow croaker near Yeonpyeong Island. However, he repeatedly hauled up a stone Buddha instead of fish and, frustrated, threw it back into the sea before returning home. That night, a Taoist appeared in his dream and told him to retrieve the stone Buddha and place it on Taepyeong Rock on Yeongjong Island. When he followed the instructions, he began catching plenty of fish and his family prospered for generations. The stone Buddha was later enshrined at Yonggunsa Temple, and it is said that medicine held in the BUddha's hand cured many people. This story is a folktale with significant symbolic meaning in Korean Folklore and is connected to Korean Myths.
Stories Related to Rocks
Among various natural objects, stories about rocks are particularly abundant. This is because rocks are large, unchanging, and their distinctive shapes often give rise to numerous tales. Many stories in Korean Myths revolve around natural elements.
1. Three Brothers Rocks
In Hantan River, Yeoncheon County, there are three rocks known as the Three Brothers Rocks. A mother, without a father, gave birth to and raised three sons on her own. These brothers were known for their strong bond and deep filial piety. One summer, while weeding the fields, they entered the Hantan River to cool off. Unfortunately, the youngest was swept away by a rapid current. The other brothers jumped in to save him but tragically lost their lives. Months later, as the mother wept endlessly by the riverbank, three rocks emerged from the Hantan River. People call these the Three Brothers Rocks and hold an annual ritual to honor them. This story has become an important tale in Korean Legends, emphasizing filial piety and sacrifice.
2. Eagle Rock
In Bingsom Island, Boryeong City, there is a rock called Eagle Rock. A fisherman named Sammani borrowed a boat to catch fish, and the boat owner's daughter fell in love with him. Secretly, the daughter developed a relationship with Sammani, against her father's wishes, as the fater planned to marry her off to someone on the mainland. When her father discovered the truth, he severely beat Sammani, tied him tightly to the boat, and set it adrift at sea. After drifting near the coast for ten days, the boat returned to the mudflat with Sammani lifeless inside, and a towering rock had risen from the mudflat. Since then, it is said that if a maiden dies unmarried on Bingsom Island, it is because Eagle Rock took her. This story is famous in Korean Myths as a folktale symbolizing love and tragedy.
3. Daughter-in-law Rock
In Sejong-ri, a notoriously ill-tempered rich man poured manure on an old monk who came begging for alms and drove him away. A few days later, when the monk returned, the man's daughter-in-law apologized on his behalf and offered rice as an alms donation. In gratitude, the monk warned her that a great flood would strike the village in a few days and advised her to flee to Jeonwol Mountain. He also warned her not to look back under any circumstances. While fleeing to Jeonwol Mountain, the daughter-in-law heard her father-in-law calling out to her. She turned around and instantly turned into stone, becoming the Daughter-in-law Rock. This story has become a legend in Korean Cultural Stories, carrying themes of transformation and moral lesson.
Korean Folklore is not merely a collection a past stories; it serves as an important window into the worldview, values, and cultural heritage of Korean people. Jeju Mythology, Korean Legends, and Korean Goddess Stories vividly showcase the unique characteristics of each region and culture. These traditional tales continue to live on today, imparting lessons and meaning to many.
