Ohh~ This is a nice twist to the traditional Korean folklore of Shim Cheong. If anyone is confused about the female protagonist backstory:
The basis of the story is that Shim Cheong was a young woman who took care of her blind father. One day her father meets a monk, and the monk tells him that if he brings 300 sacks of rice to Buddha - he will regain his eyesight. Somehow, Shim Cheong hears about this and volunteers to become a sacrifice for the seamen in exchange of 300 sacks of rice. The sacrifice happens and the dad gains back his eyesight.