Where Sindang meets Zoo Sindang ;) - Shamans and shamanistic rituals/elements have been depicted in some Korean dramas, where I actually got my interest for this tour.   My guide started with the history of Gwanghuimun, and explained the renaming of the southeast gate of the capital city Sugumun (the water channel gate) as Sigumun (the corpse gate),  its connection to the Catholic persecutions (in the 18/19th. centuries) etc.  Once we were ready to set foot into the area, I received first my own protective talisman (i.e. a bujeok written in RED on a slip of yellow paper) and observation-based questions kept popping up: Why were there so many black smith shops located, installed fire extinguishers and mirrors in this area? What did 철학관 mean? What were those paires of wooden totem poles for? Without my tour guide, I would have been totally lost, far beyond translation :))).  But beside learning about some historical events (such as the Sampoong Department Store collapse 1995) and prominent figures (e.g. Park Chung-hee, Chung Ju-yung) intervowen with its shamanistic narrative, we have also literally tasted the story side (for example of the spicy tteogbokki invented in the 1950s, colored RED with chilli flocks) ourselves and watched a short clip of a shamanistic ritual too.  The tour was informative and interactive, and afterwards you feel motivated to spend time in a library and read some books on this or that shamanism related topic. However, the last stop of the tour was, instead of a library, a hidden bar :))) behind a shamanistic altar-like facade. Thank you for recommending the movie 'Exhuma’ (2024) too.  Highly recommended for anyone interested in Korean history, who would like to gain some first hand experience supporting the impression of Korea as a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

A Deep Dive into Korean Shamanism - Our Occult Tour of Seoul, guided by Joy, was a fascinating and immersive experience that introduced us to the world of Korean shamanism and the rich history of the occult in the region. Joy was an excellent guide, sharing captivating stories and insights into the role of shamans in Korean culture. The tour covered a wide range of topics, from historical practices to recent events that shamans are said to have foretold. Joy’s discussion of monsters and spirits, and how shamans work to protect individuals and communities from these forces, was both intriguing and educational. A unique highlight of the tour was enjoying a popular street food whose red color is believed to drive away evil spirits. This added a delicious and tangible cultural element to the tour, making it even more memorable. Overall, the tour provided a deep understanding of the spiritual and occult traditions in Korea, making it a must-do for those interested in exploring the mystical side of Seoul.