During the fifth century A.D. Prince Misahun of Silla was held hostage after a battle. His brother, King Noolchi, sent his faithful minister, Pak Chesang, to rescue Misahun. The mission was successful but Pak was captured by the enemy and tortured to death. His wife knew nothing of his journey until after his departure. She followed him as far as the Eagle Record Pass where, learning that he had already sailed, she was overtaken by despair and died of grief. A shrine stands at the top of the pass to commemorate her devotion. The following poem is sometimes attributed to her but more often to an anonymous poet who wrote it to honor her memory.
Alone upon the Eagle Pass I stand
And look through tears towards the empty sea.
Who first made ships to carry life away?
Who made the waves? They foam ten thousand miles
Before night falls, but always they return
To touch the long moon-yellow sands of home.
There will be no returning for my lord.
Mist on the land where wild barbarians wait
To slay him; mist upon crowded peaks
Which stay the feet that sped to this farewell
And came too late and now will speed no more.
O soul, go forth from me; become a cloud;
And, with the grey mist, fly across the waves!
The wind blows down the pass. The eagles scream.
The yellow shades rise up to mock my tears.