About

Seolmundae Halmang is a giant creator goddess from Jeju Island legends who shaped the island's mountains, fields, and seas. Often compared to Mago Halmi of the mainland, she is worshipped by the people of Jeju as the mother of 18,000 gods and the creator of the island. Key characteristics and creation myths include her overwhelming size: she was so tall that when she lay down using Mt. Halla as a pillow, the seawater only reached her knees, and she could scoop up the peak of Mt. Halla with her bare hands. Regarding the formation of the terrain, it is said she carried soil in her skirt to create Jeju Island, and the seven handfuls of soil she piled up became Mt. Halla. The 'Oreums' (parasitic volcanoes) were formed from the clumps of soil that leaked through holes in her torn skirt. A famous tale explains that because the peak of Mt. Halla was too sharp and hurt her buttocks, she broke it off and threw it; the broken part became Baengnokdam, and the flying chunk became Sanbangsan in Seogwipo. There is also a humorous legend that Udo (Cow Island) was carved out by the force of her urine. Regarding the silk clothes and the bridge: she promised to build a bridge connecting Jeju to the mainland on the condition that the people provide her with a suit made of 100 rolls of silk. However, they only managed to collect 99 rolls. Disappointed that the garment could not be finished, she stopped building the bridge. The remains of this unfinished bridge are said to be 'Eongjangmekoji,' a rocky ridge off the coast of Jocheon-eup. Guest is like the head of her household.