9/11 Korean Shamanism

Let's learn about Korean shamanism

Korean shamanism is a blend of many beliefs and practices of pre-modern Korea. 

* blend: 혼합, 혼합물

The contemporary term for it is mugyo. 

ex> I want you to memorize that English term.

Some people believe mugyo is just superstition. Others who have visited shamans think otherwise. 

ex> He didn't like the movie but I think otherwise.

Shamans are referred to as mudang. 

The role of the mudang is to bridge the spirit and human worlds.

* bridge: 연결하다, 다리 역할을 하다

ex> We want you to bridge the differences between the two countries.

A mudang will help clients by calling upon the spirit world.

* call upon: ~에게 청하다, 부탁하다

ex> I am calling upon my will power.

They hold gut ceremonies for various reasons such as curing illness and gaining good fortune.

They can also exorcise bad spirits that cling to people or places.

* exorcise  [éksɔ:rsàiz,-sər-] : (악마등을) 쫓아 버리다

* cling: 매달리다, 달라붙다

ex> We need to exorcise these bad business practices from the company.

Although far fewer people frequent mudangs today, they are still a part of Korean culture and society.

* frequent: (특정 장소에) 자주 다니다

ex> I frequent that coffee shop every morning.

@ It's still alive and well today.  오늘날까지도 건재하고 있어.

1. We don't use that impolite term.

2. She won't think otherwise.

3. Can we bridge the gap between us?

4. We're calling upon everyone to help and volunteer.