Ideas relating to humanity-nature relationships in Korean folk narratives reflecting geomantic values

摘要

In Korean folk narratives related to geomancy (p'ungsu in Korean, fengshui in Chinese), the relationship between humans and nature is a dominant theme. This paper uses three traditional Korean folk narratives to analyse and explore three different ideas associated with humanity's relationship with nature. Firstly, the story of 'Ulsanam Mountain peak' is used to explore the idea that humanity is a reorganiser of nature. Secondly, the story of 'The Legend of Queen Sim who was born after the making of a grave at an auspicious site' is used to explore the idea that nature is an extension of humanity. Lastly, the story 'The Legend of Song Siyol's grave in a geomantic landscape suggestive of an army general's commanding posture' is used to explore the idea that human beings are an integral part of nature. Folklore can provide researchers with invaluable raw data for the study of people's thoughts and behaviour.