The psychiatry and the cultural anthropology are closely related disciplines. The mental life of the certain local residents can be better understood through studying the particularity of the area. The author visited from July 10th to August 10th, 1968, the Soheuksan Island (Kakeo Island) which is located at the south-western extremity of Korea to see the life and the customs of the residents. The result of this study can be briefly summarized as follows.
1) It is small island which covers no more than fourteen square kilometers.
It has a population of one thousand five hundred and eighty, most of whom are engagd in the fishery.
2) Most of the residents are indulged in overdrinking, which may be interpreted as method to overcome their anxiety, loneliness and the frustration due to the geographical circumstances, and to escape from the harsh reality.
3) Grass-tomb (a kind of reburial) and Dokjang(tomb for the children) were considered to be related with ancestor-worship and fear of the dead.
4) Of the taboo concerning the fisher boat, the avoidance of women on board may be explained by the intention to be out of the anger of sea-god.
In connection with it, the Dragon God is discussed as the typical form of sea-god in Korea.
5) Endogamy has widely prevailed in accordance with the geographical Conditions. The customs such as Duksukmori and Hwajikae seem to have been formed to prevent or cure the incest.
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