[COVER STORY] Korean shamanism spreads far beyond its homeland

Korean shamanism, an ancient spiritual practice native to the Korean peninsula, has recently garnered significant global attention. This phenomenon can be largely attributed to the rise of Korean culture in the realm of technology and media. The practice has been introduced to audiences worldwide through various forms of popular cultural content, such as streaming services and media appearances.

The journey towards this newfound global awareness began two decades ago with the arrival of Andrea Kalff, a woman from Prien am Chiemsee, Germany. Kalff, who was raised in a Catholic family in Bavaria, embarked on a path less conventional for someone of her background. At first, she had no interest or knowledge of shamanism, let alone the Korean version.

However, her life took a turn when she began experiencing unusual dreams, intuitive perceptions, illnesses that remained unexplained by physicians, and psychological crises.

These experiences corresponded to what Korean tradition understands as sinbyeong, a term for "spirit sickness," which is believed to affect individuals destined to become shamans. At the age of 32, in declining health, Kalff was invited by a friend to initiate into the world of Korean shamanism. This marked the beginning of her transformative journey as she delved deeper into the practice and its significance.