A Spatial Analysis of Shamans in South Korea’s Religious Market
Religions October 21, 2025 J.S. Kim, Yuanfei Li, Fenggang Yang
Shamanic practice in contemporary South Korea is concentrated in urban and peri-urban districts, not just rural areas as often assumed. Using a geocoded dataset of 15,639 shamanic sites and 78,323 religious facilities across 229 districts, spatial models show that Protestant church density is consistently associated with lower shamanic presence, especially where Protestant institutions are concentrated. Buddhist temples show no uniform national effect but have positive local associations in some areas, suggesting localized symbiosis. Catholic sites show limited and inconsistent spatial relationships. The findings indicate two contrasting dynamics: expulsion in Protestant strongholds and symbiosis where Buddhist institutions allow more accommodation. Shamanism's contemporary geography reflects adaptation to the territorial politics of institutional religion rather than a cultural revival.