Known as mudang in Korean, here a group of shaman perform a blessing on a ship before it sets sail from Incheon South Korea.
In this ceremony the shaman are bringing good luck to passengers and exorcising demons that threaten fishermen.
Swiss German Hendrikje Lange, herself a shaman initiate, explained the experience.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) 45-YEAR-OLD SWISS NATIONAL, SHAMAN NOVICE, HENDRIKJE LANGE, SAYING:
"What I can tell when we are doing this ritual, I feel the longer the ritual keeps going, the energy is changing on the stage in front of the altar, so the energy is really growing, and getting very bright."
Although the practice of shamanism is centuries old, it's only now regaining popularity in South Korean culture after being banned in the 70's by the country's military dictator.
Movies like "Fortune Salon" show lead characters as shaman, making it more socially acceptable to the masses.
Park Heung-Ju is a shaman expert.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) DIRECTOR AT KUT RESEARCH INSTITUTE, PARK HEUNG-JU, SAYING:
"In terms of sociology, people's perception on shamanism has improved a lot compared to the past since it is now seen as part of art or culture. Social consensus has been formed that shamanism should be respected in that sense."
Park said typically shaman are women because they are more tapped into their emotions.
Julie Noce, Reuters
Comments