Abstract
The island of Ullung-do, located in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), is one of the most remote outposts of the territory of the Republic of Korea. Effectively an unpopulated island from the mid-fifteenth century, it was resettled at the end of the nineteenth century and possesses perhaps the most unique tutelary cult currently practiced in the villages of Korea. Even though this cult and its shrine are well known, it only twice has been the subject of scholarly study by Korean researchers, and never before by a non-Korean scholar. The shrine cult originated from a legendary story of the death of two youths said to have been sacrified to appease the wrath of the spirit of the mountain, and was practiced by mainland officials on journeys of surveillance during the period of depopulation. Since the repopulation of the island, the enshrined spirits have been transformed into the guardian spirits of the island.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
