Yongdungshin: The Wind Goddess of Jeju Island

On Korea’s southern island of Jeju, powerful winds sweep across the sea and fields each year. According to local mythology, these winds are guided by Yongdungshin (영등신), the goddess of wind and seasonal change.

The legend of Yongdungshin comes from Jeju’s unique shamanic traditions, which developed somewhat independently from mainland Korean folklore.

Each year, the goddess was believed to visit the island during a special seasonal period known as the Yeongdeung festival.

During her stay, she brought winds that influenced fishing, farming, and the growth of crops.

Island communities held rituals to welcome the goddess and ask for favorable weather and abundant harvests.

In some stories, Yongdungshin travels with a daughter or attendants who help distribute the blessings of wind and rain across the island.

Because Jeju’s livelihood historically depended on both agriculture and fishing, the wind goddess played an important role in explaining the island’s natural cycles.

The legend reflects the deep connection between nature and spirituality in Jeju culture.

When the winds rise along the coast, some still remember the ancient stories of the goddess who rides the changing seasons.