For Koreans, traditional folk stories and fables are a depository of our spiritual culture that embraces life, sorrow, and national sentiment. Because these stories express the underlying cultural understanding based on the perspective of the wider public, they bear great significance.

In particular, folk stories about the sea are an expression of collective unconsciousness through which we can explore the instinctive views of the Korean people. They serve as an important clue to grasping the sentiments of Korean people on the sea better than any other historical data or place.

Researching sea folk stories and fables is more than merely revealing old stories from the coastal areas. Rather, exploring these important stories is the process of restoring the forgotten wisdom and confidence of sea people as well as recovering the original basis of the spiritual culture of the Korean people.

Ritual for Dragon King
by Park, Siok

6th Korea
Ocean Art Photography Contest,
Bronze medal

※ These texts were written based on the outcome of "Development of Ocean Education Textbook" and "Development of Contents for Ocean Education Textbook" projects conducted by the Korea Maritime Foundation in 2010 and 2011.