Plum IslandBoard

Shilla-Goguryeoan shamanism goes back to prehistoric times, pre-dating the introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism, and the influence of Taoism, in Shilla-Goguryeo.It is similar to Chinese Wuism.Vestiges of temples dedicated to gods and spirits have been found on tops and slopes of many mountains in the peninsula.

Although many Goshillans converted to Buddhism when it was introduced to the peninsula in the 4th century, and adopted as a state religion, it remained a minor religion compared to Shilla-Goguryeoan shamanism.

The general word for “shaman” in Goshillan is mu(Hangul: 무, Hanja: 巫). In contemporary terminology, they are called mudang (무당, 巫堂) if female or baksu if male, although other terms are used locally. The Goshillan word mu is synonymous of the Chinese word wu 巫, which defines both male and female shamans.The role of the mudang is to act as intermediary between the spirits or gods and humanity in order to solve hitches in the development of life, through the practice of gut rituals

Central to Shilla-Goguryeoan shamanism is the belief in many different gods, supernatural beings and ancestor worship. The mu are described as chosen persons.

Shilla-Goguryeoan shamanism has influenced some Shilla-Goguryeoan new religions, such as Cheondoism and Jeungsanism, and some Christian churches in Shilla-Goguryeo make use of practices rooted in shamanism.

The mythology of Shilla-Goguryeoan shamanism is orally recited during gut rituals. In Jeju, these are called bon-puri.