Hyemin Lee (Illustration by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)

In Korean, shamanism is an old spiritual tradition on the peninsula, tracing back thousands of years. Mudang (or shamans) serve as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, believed to use spiritual powers granted by the gods they serve. They offer advice for the future and perform “gut” ceremonies to heal illness, bring blessings, or send off bad spirits in peace. It’s common for young adults seeking a life partner or job or parents wishing luck for their families to visit shamans for spiritual advice. For many, it feels more cultural than religious.

(Image by Stripes Korea)