Discover Jeju’s Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut: A Unique Cultural Heritage

Jeju Island is not just famous for its breathtaking scenery but also for its unique cultural heritage. One of the most fascinating traditions of Jeju is the Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut, a ritual with deep roots in the island’s history. This event is recognized as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 71 in Korea and is also on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Heritage Korea; UNESCO Korea).

 (Baek)

The Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut happens every year during the second lunar month, from the 1st to the 15th. It is held to welcome Yeongdeung Halmang, the goddess of wind and the sea, who visits Jeju during this time. The ritual is meant to pray for a bountiful harvest, the safety of fishermen, and prosperity for the local community. It takes place at Chilmeoridang Shrine in Jeju City, where people gather for prayers, performances, and traditional ceremonies (Mun).

This ritual is a beautiful way to show gratitude to nature, especially the sea, which has been vital to Jeju’s people for centuries. Offerings are made to Yeongdeung Halmang, and shamans lead prayers and chants while traditional music and dances bring the ceremony to life. The whole event is not only spiritual but also full of vibrant energy that reflects the community spirit of Jeju (Heritage Korea).

(National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage)

Beyond its religious meaning, the Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut is a reminder of how connected Jeju’s people are to their natural surroundings. It also helps keep the community united, as residents come together to prepare and participate in the ritual. Additionally, it showcases Jeju’s unique cultural identity to the rest of the world (UNESCO Korea).

If you ever visit Jeju during the second lunar month, you should definitely attend this event. It’s an amazing chance to experience Korea’s shamanistic traditions and learn about the interconnectedness of Jeju and the sea. Finally, watching the performances and feeling the atmosphere will give you a new appreciation for the island’s culture (Mun).

Works Cited

Heritage Korea. “Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut (Shamanic Performance in the Chilmeoridang Shrine of Jeju).” Cultural heritage Administration of Korea, 19 June 2006, heritage.go.kr/heri/cul/culSelectDetail.do?pageNo=1_1_2_0&VdkVgwKey=17,00710000,50. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Mun, Mubyeong. “Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut.” Digital Jeju Culture Encyclopedia, 2024, jeju.grandculture.net/jeju/toc/GC00702174. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

UNESCO Korea. “Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut.” UNESCO, 2009, heritage.unesco.or.kr/%EC%A0%9C%EC%A3%BC-%EC%B9%A0%EB%A8%B8%EB%A6%AC%EB%8B%B9-%EC%98%81%EB%93%B1%EA%B5%BF/. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.