Our shamanistic past: the Korean government, shamans and shamanism

Abstract

The form of popular religion usually referred to as shamanism has been a matter of concern to Korean authorities for many centuries; in recent years a more positive attitude has been noticeable. Shamanism has become a cultural symbol associated with the roots of the Korean people, with some of the most important elements of the Korean national identity, and it is now frequently suggested that it is the underlying force that, against great odds, has made possible ethnic survival for thousands of years. This paper traces the develpment of government attitudes to the complex of phenomena which is today labelled shamanism. -from Author