Musok | Korean Shamanism and a Religion of Resistance
The Women Who Defied Kings: The Resilience of Korean Shamanism
When history books talk about Korea, they usually jump straight to the Korean War, the DMZ, or maybe even K-pop. But what they don’t tell you is that Korea has a spiritual tradition so fierce, so rebellious, and so incredibly female-led that it survived centuries of persecution—and is still thriving today.
Meet the mudang, the women who kept Korean shamanism (Muism) alive. These were not your quiet, contemplative mystics. They danced, they sang, they embodied gods, and—most importantly—they refused to be silenced.
1. Shamanism: Korea’s Oldest—and Most Banned—Religion
Long before Confucianism and Buddhism arrived, Korean women were already leading spiritual practices. Mudang were healers, fortune tellers, and intermediaries between gods and humans. They were so powerful that Confucian rulers spent hundreds of years trying to erase them.
Spoiler: they failed.
2. The Joseon Dynasty vs. Women’s Autonomy
During the Joseon Dynasty, women were banned from public life. No school. No religious participation. No leaving the house without permission. And definitely no fun or magic.
But women needed space to process grief, seek help, and celebrate milestones. So they turned to mudang—in secret. Shamanism became a quiet rebellion, where women could gather, practice rituals, and reclaim a bit of control in a world that denied them power.
3. The Shaman Who Made the Gods Laugh
On Jeju Island, shamanism took a hilariously extra approach. Women shamans didn’t just perform rituals—they put on full-blown comedic performances to make the gods laugh so hard they had no choice but to bring blessings. Because if you can make a divine being crack up, you must be doing something right.
4. Modern Mudang: From Temples to Zoom Calls
Fast forward to today—Korean shamanism is still alive. Modern mudang conduct rituals for business moguls, politicians, and K-pop idols. They offer spiritual cleanses, fortune readings, and even—because we live in the future—online consultations.
Because if history has taught us anything, it’s this: women who refuse to be silenced will always find a way to rise.
Experience History IRL!
Want to dive into history with me in real life? Join the History BFF Trip to Japan this August! We’ll explore Kyoto, sip matcha, and celebrate history the way it deserves to be celebrated—with curiosity, laughter, and maybe some mildly questionable karaoke choices. Grab your spot before it’s gone!
Because the past isn’t just kings and wars—it’s the women who danced, defied, and endured.
