‘Neokdeulim’ refers to a ritual of remedy in Jeju, carried out when a person decides that they are in shock after they were in a traumatizing accident or some other event that dishevels their mind, to find the soul (the ‘Neok’) that has escaped and put it back into their body. Among the indigenous people of Jeju, it is believed that the soul leaves the body when it goes through shocking events, resulting in mental and physical illness. ‘Neokdeulim’ is also carried out to eliminate symptoms if a person generally has an unstable mind and body, or to prevent symptoms of diseases even if there are no observable symptoms.
For instance, if a child is shocked or has fallen ill, the child’s mother or grandmother performs ‘Neokdeulim’ on the child, or the child is taken to an old lady who specializes in ‘Neokdeulim,’ called the ‘Neokdeulim Grandmother’ to receive ‘Neokdeulim.’ Otherwise, the child receives ‘Neokdeulim’ from a professional shaman called ‘Shimbang’ on the island.
First-hand Experiences of ‘Neokdeulim’
Former Haenyeo
in her 60s @ Dongbock
“My children are twins. One day, many years ago, I had visitors over at my place. All the people in the neighbourhood came over to my house and were talking, having fun… and my baby fell off from the baby-walker. The baby was crying all through the night, so my mother told me to give my baby ‘Neokdulim.’ I took my baby to a shaman and prayed. The shaman put a bowl of water, rice, money, fruits, and food on the table for the prayer. Then, sooner or later, the baby’s crying would cease. It used to be so in the old days.
There was no ‘Neokdeulim Grandmother’ in our village, but there was one in Hamdeok. That’s where I would take my babies. When I made the babies receive ‘Neokdeulim’ twice, they would sleep well and not fidget in their sleep. That’s why the people believed it; it’s wondrous.
Also, when I would see something unsettling while working as a Haenyeo and become shocked, I was told to go see a shaman to receive ‘Neokdeulim.’ When you go see the shaman and explain what you’ve seen and why you are shocked, the shaman will pray for you and perform ‘Neokdeulim.’ No one could really explain it, but the shock would then ebb away. It was like that back then.
If you are sick, you can still go to an Oriental medical clinic and get acupuncture, but if you have a mental illness, you have to go see a psychiatrist these days. Many of the ‘Neokdeulim Grandmothers’ have disappeared now, so there’s no one we can get it from.”
Elderly Haenyeo
@ Dodu Haenyeo’s House
“When my kids were surprised or shocked, I took them to a ‘Neokdeulim Grandmother’ and got it performed on them. I would take them to her around three times, and it seemed to work like magic. ‘Neokdeulim’ is still performed on babies these days, like when the babies cry all night and cannot fall asleep for some reason. It’s hard to know why babies do that, you know. Also, a person can feel much better after ‘Neokdeulim’ when ill and have no energy or motivation.”
Haenyeo in her 50s @ Onpyeong-ri
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When a Haenyeo dies while working in the sea in a group, all members of the group receive ‘Neokdeulim’ to be healed from the shock.
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“There are many fatal accidents while working in places like the sea. We get old, that’s why. Last year, we lost two divers while working. When you see the people you work with die, it comes as a great shock. The shock is even greater when you see their lifeless bodies in the water, much more than when you see them outside on the ground. I have seen many dead bodies and fatal accidents throughout my life as a Haenyeo. That’s why ‘Neokdeulim’ must exist. When someone dies while diving, all the other divers receive ‘Neokdeulim’ because it is believed that their souls become unstable from the shock. They won’t let us go into the water again until each and every one of the witnesses has gone through the ritual. When someone dies from an accident, the fishing village cooperatives ensure every Haenyeo in shock receives ‘Neokdeulim.’ Our work can only resume after.”
Middle-aged Male Adult @ Sagye-ri
“When I was young, I almost drowned and was pulled up from the water. My mother said that my soul must have left my body because I was so shocked by the incident.
She brought a ‘Neokdeulim Grandmother’ from the neighbourhood and performed the ritual by the water I had fallen into.
The old lady wet my forehead with water and repeatedly said “May his soul not leave him. Please let the soul come back.” It was like praying, almost.”
