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Korean Myths · 05

Mudang: Who Are Korea's Shamans, Really?

A mudang is a Korean shaman. Most are women, their main ritual is the gut, and Korea still has many mudang today.

Who are Korea's shamans, really?
Who are Korea's shamans, really?
Mudang
MudangA mudang is a Korean shaman. For centuries, people asked them to speak with gods and spirits.
Mostly women
Mostly womenMost mudang are women. Male shamans are called baksu.
The gut
The gutTheir main ritual is the gut: music, dance, bright robes and long songs to call the gods.
Two paths
Two pathsSome say a spirit chose them. Others learned the work from their mothers.
Still here
Still hereKorea still has many mudang today, in big cities and on quiet mountains.

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BookThe Book of Korean MythologyDokkaebi, shamans and gods: the world Bari walks through, in one book.View on Amazon Penguin ClassicsThe Story of Hong GildongKorea's classic outlaw hero.View on Amazon NorigaeMini Silk Knot Norigae SetThe knotted hanbok tassel, often carrying wishes for luck.View on Amazon
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