Ogu Daewang and Gildeok Buin bore seven daughters, but the king, desperate for a son, sealed his seventh child Barigongju in a jade box and cast her into the sea at birth.
Barigongju served Mujangseung for years in the Western Paradise to obtain the healing water, becoming his wife and bearing seven sons before returning to save her father.
Barigongju shepherds the souls of the dead through the underworld, guiding gwishin to their final rest as the foremost psychopomp of Korean shamanic tradition.
Barigongju descended into Jeoseung, the land of the dead, crossing its perilous boundaries and serving years within its realm to obtain the healing water that would save her dying father.
Barigongju returned from the Western Paradise bearing the healing water and sacred flowers, reviving her father Ogu Daewang from death and proving that the daughter he had abandoned was the only one willing to save him.
In the Barigongju muga, the Abandoned Princess journeyed to Jeoseung and petitioned Yeomra for the Water of Life to heal her dying parents. Yeomra granted her request after she completed years of service in the underworld.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and improve your experience. Learn more