Jeonghwa lives in a remote mountain village with her children, Jinsik and Yeonji. Jeonghwa has a painful past: she was married into a family that died young, only to be cast out after becoming involved with Chwibari, a traveling entertainer. Jinsik kills a young neighbor who attempts to assault Yeonji, and Kkeokswi, a cattle dealer who has always desired Jeonghwa, takes her as his wife using this incident as leverage. One day, the naive Yeonji gives birth to her brother Jinsik's child. Upon learning this, the mountain caretaker Aekku informs Mr. Im Jinsa. Yeonji is forced to shave her head and become a nun, and Jinsik is beaten to death on a straw mat for incest. Jeonghwa and Kkeokswi, who had gone to the cattle market, return and witness this. Jeonghwa recounts her past to Mr. Im Jinsa. It is revealed that Jinsik and Yeonji are half-siblings and are released. Aekku attempts to rape Jeonghwa and asks to live with her, but Jeonghwa kills him, takes Chwibari's mask, and sets the room ablaze. Jinsik and Jeonghwa are rescued and are relieved to see the child with Kkeokswi. However, Jeonghwa smiles and gently closes her eyes.