Korean Shamanism [History of Korea]

Today, we’ll take a look at Korean shamanism, called musok 무속신앙 or mugyo 무교. Korean shamanism is often ignored when talking about Korean culture and the behaviour of its people. Theres’s usually more of a focus on Confucianism and Buddhism and more recently, Christianity. But, like trying to understand Western culture without the influence of Christianity, it would be erroneous to not discuss the influence of shamanism on Korean society.
While shamanism isn’t as popular nowadays as it once was, it still plays an important role in how decisions are taken either following a ritual (a gut 굿) or after a fortune reading (saju 사주). Female shamans, mudang (무당), are seen by some as the keepers of Korean culture which can be seen in their clothing and dances as well as heard in their songs (muga 무가) and stories.
First, we will look at the history of shamanism in Korea from Gojoseon 고조선, thru Goguryeo 고구려, Silla 신라, Goryeo 고려 and Joseon 조선 until modern times.
Second, we will try to answer the question: What is Korean shamanism? Simply put, Korean shamanism consists of the worship of gods 신, ancestors 조상 and spirits 정령 found in objects, places and living things. I will explore these elements more in depth.
Third, we will look at the gods and spirits that are worshipped.
Fourth, we'll introduce the two types of shamans (gangsinmu 강신무, seseupmu 세습무), their differences and in which regions of Korea they are found.
Fifth, we’ll take a closer look at the shamanic ritual itself, the gut 굿, its different stages and purposes.
Finally, I’ll recount some popular shamanic myths like the story of Princess Bari 바리 공주, the origin myth of Chobong bon-puri 초공 본 풀이, the tale of princess Gongsim 공심 and the myth of Dangun 당군.
If you enjoyed this video 🙏 please like and subscribe. 감사합니다~
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📜 Korean History Playlist • Korean History Series
🎬 Recommended viewings:
The Wailing 국성 (2016). Dir.: Na Hong-jin. Starring: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, Jun Kunimura
📕Recommended readings:
The History and Structure of Korean Shamanism by Jeong-il Moon, Yonsei University Press, 2012, 557p.
Gut Korean Shamanic Ritual Songs Calling Spirits by Kim Soo-nam, Youlhwadang Publisher, 2005, 287p.
Features some footage courtesy of K-Tape ‪@Art_kore‬ / ktapes
Features some artwork courtesy of www.tashashealthyscrapbook.com
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*Other figures and topics explored in this video: Hwanin 환인, Hwanung 환웅, Samseonggak 삼성각, Chilseong 칠성, Dokseong 독성, Palgwanhoe 팔관회, Yeondeunghoe 연등회, Gwanghaegun 광해군, Yeonsangun 연산군, Sejong-Sillok 세종실록, veritable records of the Joseon dynasty 조선왕조실록, Empress Myeongseong 명성황후, Mudang Naeryeok 무당내력, mishin tapa undong 미신 타파 운동, baksu 박수, Hanji 한지, The Buddhas of the Three Worlds Sambul 삼불, obang saek 오방색, Hogu Pyeolseong 호구별성, obang sinjang 오방신장, sinbyeong 신병, naerim-gut 내림굿, shimbang 심방, mengdu 맹두, bujeong 부정굿, cheongbae 청배무가, gochuk 고축, shintak 신탁, oshin 오신무, songshin 송신, Bok 복(福), saryeong-gut 사령제, jaesu-gut 재수굿, shin-gut 신굿
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0:00 Korean Shamanism Intro
1:40 History of Shamanism
15:25 What is Korean Shamanism?
20:27 Gods & Spirits
24:54 Types of Shamans
29:48 The Ritual (Gut)
35:05 Purpose of Rituals
36:46 Myths
#korea #shamanism #koreanhistory #historyofkorea (episode 36)

[@JP-zz7en]

I like Korean shamanism, because shamans, even before the arrival of Christianity, were persecuted and marginalized by the Confucians, since they considered them as barbaric, superstitious, irrational, and poor, and along with butchers and kisaeng. they were the Confucian caste of "untouchables". I am very surprised to see that even when Christianity arrived in Korea and not long ago, many fundamentalist Protestant Christians attacked shrines and sacred places for shamans along with Buddhist temples, even so they have survived to the present day, something truly admirable. I greatly admire the cultures, countries or ethnic groups that still preserve their traditional beliefs.

[@migspeculates]

They survived probably because of Korea's rigid hierarchy and where do most people at the bottom go for comfort? Shamans. They never lose clients

[@JP-zz7en]

@@migspeculates The consort Queen of joseon, The Min Queen, she was a belivier in shamanism along buddhism.

[@migspeculates]

​@@JP-zz7enRoyalty often consult shamans/astrologers/brahmins for auspiciousness in implementing laws. I think it's the scholarly class that ostracized shamans from the general public.

[@JP-zz7en]

What surprises me and I like about Korean shamans is that unlike other shamanic traditions, which use hallucinogenic plants or mushrooms to enter a trance, they use only music and dance to enter an altered state of consciousness. I have seen several Gut rituals on the internet and listened to shamanic music, and the truth is that it is quite hypnotic, it even makes me want to dance and jump.

[@KP-jx1wy]

They use alcohol. And who knows maybe they did use hallucinogenic substances in the distant past, but the practice is lost

[@sirtanchannel5848]

Same goes for Chinese folk religion in Fujian,Taiwan,Singapore etc called tangki 乩童 possessed by deities

[@zakkrick]

You could compare it the Native American shaman, they do a lot dancing with eagle feathers.

[@hobbyist1001]

You should look into Hmong shamans they don’t need anything to enter a trance besides a black hood

[@ShamanTalk]

Most Asian shamans do not use hallucigenic herbs to enter trance. Native Americans and Latin American shamans tend to do so. Hmong shamans do not use any herbal drugs in their practice to induce trance as well.

[@Barbarossa-heir]

As a non- Korean fan of Asian history , i have encountered Shamanism for the very first time in Kdrama " the moon embracing the sun" . Questions stormed in my head .i needed to quench my curiosity especially after watching " rookie the historian " which traces the struggle between Shamanism and scholars in josean court .. I have seen the scary part of Shamanism in lovers of the red sky .. To conclude , your video was a good helping hand to understand the jist of it . Thank you.

[@loonytricky]

Wow~ thanks for that ^^

[@BoredBookAddict]

I have always been interested in learning about Shamanism around the world. Korean Shamanism is so interesting and your hard work is deeply appreciated.

[@loonytricky]

Thanks a bunch ^^

[@tinjavier4876]

Some Korean dramas that show a glimpse of Korean shamanism are the The Guest and The Cursed. Both are a bit horror in theme but shows a bit on how the setup and some animal sacrifice are a bit shown (which by the way I also got a start when watching). When watching this episode of Loonytricky, now I understood some parts of that series. If from historical dramas, Moon embracing the Sun shows how shamanism have influences on monarchs. And for fantasy themed, Lovers of the Red Sky, shows the influence and conflicts between shamanism and astrologers.

[@hey__you]

The guest is *THE BEST*. I was obsessed with the series when it aired.

[@revolversmoke]

I've only seen Korean Shamanism being presented on in academic lectures on youtube. I'm glad you've made a presentation length video for general audience.

[@ArielaShines]

I am building an academic webpage on the topic actually :) I found this video very very helpful and insightful.

[@revolversmoke]

@ArielaShines let me know when its ready to read. 😄

[@ArielaShines]

@@revolversmoke Deffinantly, I should have the initial page done by next Sunday, , then I want to build it out from there. My goal is to be helpful and also to learn myself. I am nowhere near an expert on any of it. I hope in the process I will discover why I am so drawn to explore this as well.

[@drcovell]

Read *Ecstasy: Shaminism in Korea* by yours truly. Written in 1984. The historical roots of Shamanism go back for *thousands of years* into prehistory. I researched the background carefully and published a picture of the altar, with the sacrificial animals head and “Long bones” laid out, just like the Cave Bear skulls in caves in Europe. For the definitive work on Siberian Shamanism, read the works by Eliade.

[@ArielaShines]

I need to be in contact with you :)

[@slee4653]

Just because the modern world considers shamanism as superstition doesn't mean that it is so. There is much that modern science has no explanation for. Kudos to those who still believe in shamanism .

[@jesunghwang1585]

I'm not sure if shamanism explains much, personally. However I think it is a healthy expression of one's emotions and spirit to the world, and is important to human society without being disparaged.

[@turuus5215]

Shamanism is real and I have faith in it to a healthy degree. I was able to communicate and take advice from my deceased grandpa through this practice. Besides Koreans, various Siberian ethnicities practices Shamanism, namely Mongols and Manchus.

[@user-cg2tw8pw7j]

@@turuus5215 The racist religion of the Scythians-Iranians has become an Asian religion. Damn, aren't they killing their Chinese brothers?

[@viralbananas]

Oh trust me, shamanism is very real and no superstition.

[@leeeyong]

Hello, Thank you so much for uploading vids on ancient history of Korea.. I'm greatly thankful for your hardwork for bringing such amazing content.. Thank you

[@loonytricky]

Thanks for watching ^^

[@JP-zz7en]

Even though most South Koreans are currently irreligious, I think that doesn't mean they are atheists, I think many of them still believe in shamanism in some way along with Confucian values ​​and rituals.

[@teovu5557]

50% of modern Koreans are white wash Christians who look down on and disrespect Korean shamanism, Buddhism and other folk religions. It is so bad there are hundreds of Articles on Korean ultra Christians who harass and abuse Korean shamans and Buddhist pushing,shoving,spitting on and famously burning temples and shaman shines....

[@meow9210]

Please upload more often. The videos are not enough . Simply marvelous!

[@loonytricky]

Believe me I want to but lack of time is a problem! Thanks for watching ^^

[@jacobayers2391]

I’d love to see history videos of every one of Koreas major religions and faiths it would be very interesting

[@marcusson9025]

Currently it is Buddhism and Christianity for supremacy, while other religions are minimal at best.

[@drcovell]

Read *Korea’s Cultural Roots* by Jon Covell*

[@kyu534]

I remember watching Moon embracing sun. It had Shamanism and was very interesting. I think it was my first time seeing Shamanism in a Kdrama. Thank you for this video. Your videos are very interesting.

[@loonytricky]

Thank you! Much appreciated ^^

[@Jan4805]

your videos are so amazing, well made and sophisticated I really appreciate them!☺

[@loonytricky]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment ^^

[@jacobayers2391]

Awesome video and very informative

[@kingfisher9725]

New subscriber here. This is the sixth of your videos I've been watching today, starting with the Goryeo series. They're all very well done. Apart from being interested in history and the way the human mind works in general, this one especially helps to get a better grasp of the cultural background when watching Korean films/dramas (even the "modern" ones not dealing with such topics). I really like delving into a culture so very different from my own (I'm European), so your work is very much appreciated!

[@loonytricky]

Thanks! Much appreciated ^^

[@erinnerungundgegenwart]

Very informative video as always. I recently found your channel and now my weekly schedule is overturned because I need to make space for all of your content.

[@loonytricky]

Wonderful! Hehe ^^

[@jesunghwang1585]

Excellent video. A topic ill covered compared to their sister folk religions from Japan and China. Korean shamanism is quite interesting blend of local, and external religions and cultures! A true expression of Korean heritage, emotions and history. Inseparable to the people whether they label themselves as Catholic, Buddhist or Atheist.

[@tariz32]

It’s interesting to see how Korean shamanism developed over time. I’ve always thought about this idea that Japanese Shinto and Korean shamanism are somehow connected and the true original Shinto (Ko-Shinto) was brought to Japan from Korea during the Yayoi period. Maybe it’s just my wild imagination lol… Anyway your videos are really good! Keep up the good work.

[@JP-zz7en]

The Miko priestesses were like a shamans like the mudangs

[@gaian5950]

Connection between shinto and korean shamanism is very likely... and I am Korean currently staying in Japan

[@lyd4712]

​@@gaian5950Do Koreans in Japan today still practice Korean Shamanism or have they assimilated into Shintoism? Or irreligious?

[@ryjitarose5590]

I really wish Shinism (Korean Shamanism) gets a major boost in popularity Thank you for making this video

[@JP-zz7en]

Cheondoism (천도교 cheon-do-gyo) is a new Korean religious movement, founded between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, and mixes elements of shamanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and even Christianity, I think it was a response to counteract the influence of Christianity and Western culture and avoid being colonized, trying to match the European powers, transforming popular religion into an organized and national religion. The same thing happened in Japan with the Shinto state.

[@juanjosemedinazarate4489]

The Korean Shamanism video has finally arrived 🤩, I've been waiting for it for a long time, excellent video friend 😎👍, I loved learning more about this beautiful Korean tradition 😊, Greetings from Paraguay 🇵🇾

[@loonytricky]

Thanks for watching!

[@kazzj62]

not so beautiful for the poor animal killed ...

[@CARL_093]

finally bro i miss your videos on korean history culture

[@loonytricky]

Thanks for that ^^ Much appreciated!

[@samford2442]

Thank you I love your channel u keep ancient korean history, culture and religion alive!

[@loonytricky]

Much appreciated ^^

[@dianecrawford9204]

I thank you for sharing... sincerely :)

[@loonytricky]

Thanks for watching ^^

[@MooseDuckVlogs]

Wonderful vid Loontricky.....I always feel all cultures have folk relgions that is part of who they are....I learn well about Ukko Finnish Thunder God and this has spark my interest about gods of Korea more...Kiitos.

[@loonytricky]

Thanks for watching ^^

[@drcovell]

Korean Sills-period gold crowns have stylized reindeer horns n the center

[@jager3820]

where has this channel been all my life

[@loonytricky]

Thanks for stumbling upon it ^^

[@theholyghost]

Definitely shares some characteristics with Santeria and the indigenous, animistic religion of the Yoruba people in Nigeria.

[@omnamobhagvatevasudevaye]

This tradition is similar to Theyyam tradition in India Where shamans invite the power of Bhagavathi (mother Goddess) in their body they also paint their face in red colour and wear elaborate costume based on the spirits they impersonating theyyam also uses music to enter in a state of unaltered consciousness just like korean gut

[@themomentpodcast]

Thank you!

[@omittapir5986]

Fascinating like all the shamanic religion of the world. Its folk religion like in my place. Our shaman respects nature and prays and validates them. Our shamans sing and dance during ceremonies. A small group of people still follows our ancient folk religion. Its our true DNA.

[@CelestialShaman44]

Feel the connections!! My practice is naturally governed by ancestors, and divine angelic energies.

[@adrianomfg]

Thank you very much

[@praneeth5127]

Can you make a video on Korean Buddhism?

[@loonytricky]

I’ll look into that. Thanks for the idea~

[@Musok-gn4ln]

The male mudang are called Paksu. I am not sure what happened to my comment, but I worked on the page we discussed I will message it to you, I featured your video with direct link back here and citation.

[@CARL_093]

do not forget Princess Jeongmyeong of jeoson King Geunchog of beakje and constitution of the joseon dynasty series bro ur the best

[@leeeyong]

Ya , it's great to know about Joseon Dynasty..

[@loonytricky]

As usual, good suggestions ^^

[@jesunghwang1585]

Your videos are really good, do you think you can explore Koreas's relationships between their religions? Such as Buddhism, Confucianism and Christianity, and how they do (and don't 😅) get along?

[@loonytricky]

Thanks for watching! Yeah Korea is interesting because you have Protestants and Catholics living along Buddhists and all seems to be going well between them… seems is the key word here. It’s also possible that the media doesn’t talk about any friction or incidents between them in order to not create more social fragmentation. Korea already has to deal with political cleavage and the generational gap…

[@handsomesquidward5926]

Heavenly God does help humans from many hurdles and calamity through shamanism. Just because Christians can't communicate to heavenly Gods doesn't means other religions can't

[@Eu_0991]

I do not engage in religious activities, but I believe in superstitions that have been handed down since ancient times. And this is the same for many Koreans. At the construction site, old large trees are not cut down carelessly because they are believed to contain a mountain god. The person who cut down the tree can be killed or injured. In particular, large trees in the countryside are considered guardian gods, so shamans sometimes hold rituals on trees. And killing a snake is considered a curse and is taboo. It is not a superstition not to wave or whistle a bell at night. Shamans whistle or wave bells when they call ghosts.

[@burningknuckle26]

I think Shamanism is cool. Many Asian countries have Shamans too. My friends cousins destiny was to be a Shaman and he says he is able to see spirits. So it is legit. His bloodline had shamans in the past. So he comes from a long line of Shamans. Shaman King.

[@alejandraparker7272]

INTERESTING..SUPRISING I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ONLY MEXICO, CENTRAL AMERICA AND SOUTH AMERICA USED SHAMANS SERVICES.

[@afinmogbolahan471]

Is there any movie on king Jansu of geoguryeo

[@loonytricky]

There's a Korean TV series called The Legend which features him, but not as king.

[@rafaelyggdrasil9503]

Very generous of you to demystify and help culturally contexualize this beautiful tradition.

[@jungjung6501]

0:19 is that censored thing a pig's head?

[@themudang]

I'm an officiated korean shaman-priest (Mudang) if any of you have additional questions after watching a video such as this.

[@moonlight_latte157]

Hi, is it true that most Shamans are women and if so why is that?

[@loseniloseni1446]

Sir, can you make a video of Heo Hwang-ok king and Heo Hwang-ok queen?

[@loonytricky]

Korean History: The Kingdom of Gaya 가야 (加倻) kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6CQe5JsaKyll6s

[@loseniloseni1446]

@@loonytricky thank you, sir.

[@believeinhope1332]

what if one is curious about the "dark rituals" though 🤔 (in a purely academic sense of course)

[@yj8641]

A lot of shamans do “dark rituals” like cursing rituals. That’s one of the reasons the Confucius upper class hated shamans. There was a famous queen who got kicked out doing the curse ritual.

[@teovu5557]

Korean shamanism and its links to Siberian,mongolian and central asian shamanism. korean Tangun(founder and deity of korea) Mongolian Tengger( main deity/god) Turkic Tengri(God) Tungusic Enduri/Endur(God) Siberian Yeniseians- Thin gir( sky father/god) Chinese Tian(Heaven)chengli(God's law) Japanese Tenno(Heavenly ruler also emperor) All these cultures neighbor each other in the past and practised shamanism in the past

[@sita5178]

神道の神事と近しいものを感じるなー。魅力的だと思います!

[@clementkong8133]

You are aware that buddhism (the religion) is Shamanism right? So why you talk about them as two different entities? For anyone who don’t know what I’m talking about, how does buddhism go from a philosophy to a religion? By infusing the philosophy with local pagan shaman practices.

[@Kim-in3bi]

기독교도 샤머니즘 아닌가요?

[@mydreamsarecomingtrue]

Only Roman Catholic priesthood perform something like that, “in persona Christi,” offering sacrifice. They don’t do nature worship or animism though.

[@AnnaGMI-2023]

👍💚👍🖤👍🤍

[@Ericat257]

Sh-ah-man

[@giokensiga673]

The Shamamism is something Natural and eternal in whole humanity, it has been practised since the beginning and primitive, as a dimension of human life and its interaction with the spiritual nature. I beling from Eastern Himalayan Tribe in Northeast India Called Tagin of Abotani clan, we have also the Shamanism where the Shamans are the integral part of our culture, livelihood, tradition, heritage and also our well being. Our spiritual practices are based on our shamans.

[@nazlsenay7312]

...

[@b.c.6070]

25:53 sounds pretty demonic…