Abstract
Korean Shamanism has historically been a marginalized part of Korean society frequently associated with female or subordinate modes of Korean culture. Yet, within the past century or so, Korean shamanism has become a part of the nationalistic identity narrative of the South Korean government. This study is investigating how Korean Shamanism had to change to become an effective nationalistic tool, and how that change affected shamanism’s role as a ritual tool for South Korean communities. In addition, this study will be examining how the rapid modernization that South Korea has undergone since the end of the Korean War further affected shamanism’s role as a therapeutic tool within the ritual context. By understanding the processes of the “Confucianization” and “Urbanization” of Korean Shamanism, it becomes possible to see how these rituals can become effective, modern tools for the therapy and identification of national and local communities in South Korea.
Advisor
Graham, Mark
Department
East Asian Studies
Recommended Citation
Folger, Meaghan, "Performing an Ideal: The Changing Roles of Shamans in Contemporary South Korea" (2015). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6562.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6562
Disciplines
Asian History | Korean Studies
Publication Date
2015
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2015 Meaghan Folger