Revised 2nd Edition with Color Photos
99 Legends of Jeju Island
Tall Tales and Telling Truths : Stories of Nature, History, Natives & Visitors
Click here to order for delivery by December 12th, 2026
Most of the tales in this book date back centuries, while some appear to be millenia 5old. They deal with both the divine and the mundane, ranging from silly to serious. The stories describe events both historical and imagined, featuring real people as well as fictional characters. They are a record of Jeju Islanders’ trials, tragedies and triumphs within a harsh natural environment, challenging political situation and mystifying spiritual milieu.
Discover:
- islands that fly across the water, valleys that disappear and mountains that move
- demi-gods springing from the ground and princess brides appearing out of the blue
- indigenous shamans, Chinese monks and Japanese pirates
- the sacrifice of maidens and the elderly to giant serpents in caves and mountains
- a giant creator goddess who began building a bridge to the mainland
- arrogant Confucian scholars, rebellious servants, clever liars and greedy scoundrels
- immortal wizards who ride white deer through the sky
- magical goblin-like creatures that bring fortune or ruin
- tales of Jeju’s 18,000 gods and goddesses
- the gratitude of ghosts and the mysterious world beyond death
- an emperor’s quest for the elusive herb of immortality on Halla Mountain
- adventures at sea and the deeds of heroic army generals
- amazing cures and renowned physicians
- strong and virtuous women: the ordeals they faced and their triumphs over men
- caves, springs and waterfalls home to dragons, fairies, shapeshifting foxes and magical spirits
- the strengths and virtues of the island’s ubiquitous shrines and temples
- streams and pools of vital earth energy and the geomancers who seek to master them
- wise, just rulers and bumbling, corrupt governors
- real and imagined men and women who lived, loved, laughed and cried on Jeju Island
99 Legends of Jeju Island is an English translation and reorganization of the contents of a book of legends collected and published by Professor Hyun Yong-Joon, along with newly added explanatory notes, an index, and hundreds of color photographs of Jeju Island taken by the author.
Table of Contents (Chapters)
一 Ninety-Nine & Not One More
二 Whence & Whither
三 Flying Islands & Fantastic Rocks
四 Divine Dragons & Mysterious Mountains
五 Ponds & Springs
六 Strong Men
七 Stronger Women
八 Governors & Government Officials
九 Talent & Trickery
十 Virtue & Devotion
十一 Fate, Fortune & Failure
十二 Heroes & Amazing Abilities
十三 Spirits & Otherworldly Beings
十四 Graveyards & Geomancy
十五 Sacred Sites
