Shamanism

Various shamanistic practices are well developed in Korea. Korean shamanism has deep roots in folk beliefs from ancient times. It is closely related to the primitive cult of communal worship rites offered to the gods of heaven, and infused with Buddhist tradition. ● History In ancient times these heavenly rites doubled as agricultural rites in prayers for abundant harvests. Shamanism thrived during the time of the Three Kingdoms Period (B.C. 57-A.D. 676) and the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), whereas it was oppressed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the Japanese Colonial Period (1910-1945). The Joseon Dynasty's mainly Confucius society did not allow the practice of shamanism to flourish, but it was tolerated. All folk religions were forbidden under the Japanese Colonial Period. Post-liberation Korean shamanism was further weakened over time as a result of modernization and westernization. However, even with the development of a technological society, shamanism still influences parts of Korean life. ● Unique characteristics One trait which distinguishes Korean shamanism is that it seeks to solve human problems through a meeting between humanity and the spirits mediated by the shaman. This characteristic is clearly seen in the various types of the 'gut' (shamanistic rite) which are still widely observed today. The 'gut' is a rite in which the shaman offers a sacrifice to the spirits and, through singing and dancing, begs them to intercede in the fortunes of the world. The shaman wears a colorful ritual costume, speaks in a trance as a spiritual oracle, and sings and dances to the accompaniment of music. Three elements are seen as essential in a 'gut': the spirits as the object of folk belief, the believers praying to those spirits, and the shaman mediating between the spirits and the believers. The 'gut' will vary depending on the regional variations and purposes, but some of the most representative are the 'byeolsin gut' which asks the gods for peace and an abundant harvest, the 'byeong gut' asking for the recovery of sick family members, and the 'nara gut' which asks the gods that the demands of the king be met. There is also the 'village gut' that brings together local townspeople to perform ancestral rites ceremonies; festivals are also held to bring regions together. Gangneung is one area that still holds the 'Gangneung Dano Gut' every May 5th.