Contemporary Korean Shamanism: From Ritual to Digital

Korean shamans' theatrical religious performances, which were once considered a superstition, are now becoming mainstream. This shift is due to the representation of shamanism in staged rituals, museums, films, television programs, and the internet. Contemporary Korean Shamanism explores this vernacular religion and practice in South Korea's hypertechnologized society, where over 200,000 shamans are listed in professional organizations. The book reveals how representations of shamanism in national, commercialized, and screen-mediated settings have transformed opinions about these religious practitioners and their rituals, from a sign of a backward, undeveloped Korea to a valuable, indigenous cultural asset.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: Indiana University Press

The theatrical religious performances of Korean shamans, who communicate with the dead, divine the future, and become possessed, have undergone a remarkable mainstreaming transformation. Once considered an embarrassing superstition, these practices are now embraced and celebrated in various forms of media, including staged rituals, museums, films, television programs, and the internet. Attitudes towards Korean shamanism are shifting, as people are increasingly open to exploring this vernacular religion and practice.

Contemporary Korean Shamanism delves into this unique and dynamic faith and practice, which encompasses sensory rituals utilizing laden altars, ecstatic dance, and animal sacrifice, within the hypertechnologized society of South Korea. It is estimated that over 200,000 shamans are registered in professional organizations, highlighting the prevalence of this tradition. Liora Sarfati sheds light on how representations of shamanism in national, commercialized, and screen-mediated settings have reshaped perceptions of these religious practitioners and their rituals.

Through the application of ethnography and folklore research, Contemporary Korean Shamanism meticulously maps this shift in perception about shamanism, moving from a symbol of a backward, undeveloped Korea to a valuable and indigenous cultural asset. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of this evolving phenomenon, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between religion, culture, and society in contemporary Korea.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253057174