Korean shamanism spreads far beyond its homeland
As Korea has taken its place among the world leaders in technology, many facets of its traditional culture also have found their way to a global audience. Through a series of appearances in media and popular streaming content, Korean shamanism has achieved a a new level of global awareness in recent years. For some, the idea of Korean shamanism being a global entity began 20 years ago with the…
Korean shamanism, once confined to its homeland, has garnered significant global attention in recent years. This ancient tradition, once the realm of a select few, is now making waves on a worldwide scale. A major catalyst for this newfound popularity has been the rise of Korean shamanism in media and streaming platforms.
The journey began over two decades ago, with the arrival of Andrea Kalff, a German woman who became the first European to embrace Korean shamanism. Raised in a Catholic family in Bavaria, Kalff knew little about shamanism. However, her life was filled with inexplicable experiences that pointed to a deeper spiritual calling.
From a young age, Kalff endured unusual dreams, intuitive perceptions, and unexplained illnesses that baffled medical professionals. These symptoms, known as sinbyeong in Korean tradition, are believed to afflict those destined to become shamans. It wasn't until she reached the age of 32 and was in declining health that Kalff was invited to delve into the world of Korean shamanism.
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- Korean shamanism spreads far beyond its homeland koreatimes.co.kr
