A Study on the Narrative of Hospitality and Community Perceptions in “Baebijang-jeon”

The grammar of hospitality found in “Baebijang-jeon” does not stem from the refined old writings of the aristocratic past but is perfected through the voices of marginalized figures who operate from the periphery of Jeju, such as servants, hae-nyeo(female divers) and boatmen. This form of hospitality is emphasized because of Jeju Island’s unique cultural landscape. Figures such as Jeju's pastors or Baebijang are individuals who can reside in Jeju but can leave anytime, making it difficult for them to assimilate into the community. Moreover, their higher class status might drive them to assert their position in the community and reaffirm their nobility. However, “Baebijang-jeon” urges his peers to listen to the unfamiliar voices from the lower places and peripheries of Jeju, encouraging them to become a part of the community. The downfall of Baebijang and his life thereafter showcases his success story, that one can achieve “nobility” by integrating into the community. This strengthens the grammar of hospitality.