Korean shamanism, with its deep historical roots, has continually adapted to societal changes rather than disappearing altogether. While traditional shamanism has declined, shamanic practices have persisted, evolving through secularization and commercialization. Today, these practices are more accessible than ever through social media, online apps, and various business ventures. Digital platforms offering saju (사주, Four Pillars of Destiny) and cheom (점, divination) have gained growing popularity, especially among young people.
Unlike its traditional elements, which were deeply spiritual and embedded in religious rituals, modern forms of shamanism are often detached from strict belief in the supernatural. For many young Koreans, shamanistic elements function primarily as psychological and cultural tools rather than religious commitments. Psychologically, shamanistic practices can serve as a coping mechanism for uncertainty and anxiety, providing a structured way to articulate personal concerns while bringing emotional catharsis and comfort. These practices offer alternative ways for young individuals to seek reassurance and reflect on themselves and their lives. Culturally, the rise of “K-Shamanism” is fueled by its aesthetic and symbolic appeal, frequently appearing in films, dramas, and social media content. Some young people adopt shamanistic symbols less for their pure religious belief and more for their artistic, cultural, or symbolic value. Additionally, this phenomenon aligns with the broader global trend of spiritual-but-not-religious (SBNR) practices, in which individuals engage with spiritual elements not through formal worship but as sources of personal meaning and identity. Just as astrology and tarot have seen a resurgence in Western societies, Korean shamanistic elements are being reinterpreted in ways that resonate with contemporary sensibilities.
However, the growing interest in shamanistic practices may suggest that institutional religions, including Christianity, are not fully addressing the needs of young people. In contrast, shamanism appears to offer what they seek. Even for those who do not ‘believe’ in supernatural forces, shamanistic practices can serve a therapeutic role, providing reassurance and guidance without the constraints of rigid doctrines or authoritative structures that may feel irrelevant or disconnected. While institutional religions, with their doctrinal forms and hierarchies, often requires adherence to established teachings and fixed answers, modern shamanistic practices allow young individuals to focus more on what personally resonates with them, seeking a sense of self amidst uncertainty and anxiety in an experiential and intuitive way. In this regard, engaging with shamanistic practices creates spaces where young people can navigate their spiritual, existential, and emotional needs in ways that feel more personally relevant, transformative, and liberating.
I will explore the resurgence of shamanistic practice among young Koreans, analyzing its psychological, cultural, and religious implications in modern Korean society. For young people seeking reassurance about their futures, shamanistic practices can serve as tools for alleviating societal anxiety and coping with life’s uncertainties. These practices provide a way to address personal concerns, functioning as a form of psychological support. Moreover, with the secularization of Korean shamanism, these practices have become increasingly accessible. This growing interest in shamanism may indicate that institutional religions, including Christianity, have failed to fully address the spiritual, existential, and emotional needs of young people. Additionally, this phenomenon aligns with the broader global trend of spiritual-but-not-religious (SBNR) practices. I will critically examine how shamanism can offer meaningful alternatives by creating spaces for emotional reassurance and self-exploration—dimensions that institutional religions may struggle to provide—in ways that feel more personally relevant, transformative, and liberating.