Who founded Korean Shamanism?
The question of who founded Korean shamanism is a complex and nuanced one. Shamanism is not a religion with a singular founder or an exact historical origin but rather a deeply rooted spiritual practice that evolved and flowed over time. It is intricately woven into the cultural fabric of Korea, with its origins shrouded in the mists of prehistory.
The practice is best understood through the myths and stories passed down through generations. These stories not only provide a glimpse into the spiritual worldview of Korea but also highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women as central figures in these traditions. Among these are the mythologies of Ungnyeo, the bear woman from the tale of Dangun, and Mago Halmoni, the great creatrix. Both offer powerful insights into the roots of Korean shamanism and the role of women as spiritual intermediaries and creators.
Ungnyeo: The Overlooked Archetype of the Mudang
While the myth of Dangun celebrates the establishment of Korea’s first kingdom, the role of Ungnyeo is often overshadowed. This oversight may stem from the influence of neo-Confucianism and patriarchy, which dominated Korean society during the periods when these myths were recorded. Yet, a closer examination reveals that Ungnyeo’s story mirrors the path of a mudang (Korean shaman) in powerful ways.
Bear holding mugwort & garlic (image from Google)
Ungnyeo’s transformation in the cave can be seen as a ceremonial initiation—a rite of passage requiring immense discipline and spiritual focus. The cave itself, a liminal space between the earthly and divine realms, serves as a symbolic womb where transformation and rebirth occur. The act of consuming garlic and mugwort, both sacred and medicinal plants in Korean tradition, echoes the ritualistic preparation and purification often undertaken by shamans.
Her ritual and prayers beneath the sacred tree further align with shamanic practices. Trees, often seen as spirit pillars or conduits between heaven and earth, are beliefs part of Korean shamanism. Ungnyeo’s prayers, which move the heavens and elicit a divine response, exemplify the mudang’s role as an intermediary between humans and the divine. Through her devotion and spiritual work, she bridges the realms, influencing the course of human and divine interaction.
The Overlooked Legacy of Mago Halmoni
While Ungnyeo’s transformation and devotion align her with the archetype of the mudang (Korean shaman), the mythology of Mago Halmoni offers a broader, cosmic perspective on Korean spirituality. Mago Halmoni, often referred to as the "Great Creatrix," is a deity of immense power and wisdom. She is depicted as the primordial grandmother who shaped the world and gave birth to the universe. Her story is steeped in themes of creation, balance, and the interconnection of all living things.
Male scholars in Korea, influenced by patriarchal and neo-Confucian ideologies, largely dismissed her narrativeeven today by most scholars and academia. Yet her myth, rich in symbolism and cosmic significance, is just as important as the more widely recognized tales of Dangun and other male-centered narratives.
The marginalization of Mago Halmoni’s story is a reflection of broader patterns of erasing or diminishing women’s roles in spiritual traditions. Yet her mythology persists, carried on in oral traditions and practices that continue to honor her as a central figure in Korea’s spiritual heritage.
Together, these stories remind us that Korean spirituality has always been deeply rooted in the feminine divine, despite attempts to erase or diminish this legacy. The emphasis on transformation, devotion, and the ability to connect with the divine is central to both myths, making them integral to understanding the roots of Korean shamanism.
