Fortune tellers have a similar goal but different approaches. Shamans are often called 'mudangs' and fortune tellers often consider their workplaces the philosopher's room. Their identity is not limited to any special name or location; they are doing very well in Korean society. For the most part, they work to make people happy for that means they will have a bright future.
This way of life doesn't require any license or certification. Open to all who are interested and with the employment opportunities in society being what they are we see an increase of Shamans and fortune tellers.
In the Catholic Times, Honorary Journalist Column the writer recounts going to a restaurant with a friend she hadn't seen for some time. On the TV that was turned on in the dining room a celebrity who visited a shaman was talking about fortune-telling and emphasizing that he was a 'Catholic believer'.
At a table behind the writer, she heard the mocking remarks about Catholics who have no trouble visiting 'mudangs' to learn about their future. The writer was not happy to hear what the celebrity was saying but she felt she was sitting on a cushion of thorns.
Shamans and superstition-related content are increasing through broadcasting and YouTube. No matter how much the content is used for fun she is worried that believers will get soaked into shamanism like what happens when out in a drizzle. In particular, in the last election, news reports on shamanistic doings in society, Shincheonji Church (a newly Christian Church Movement) were often in the news.
These days, it feels that various strange teachings, shamanism, and superstitions that were hiding in the dark are coming out to the sun and walking around with boldness. It was for her a time to go a little more deeply into the different areas of this life style.
Western divination methods are mixed up with our own physiognomy, fortune-telling, zodiac signs, tarot cards, lucky days, the four pillars, (year, month, day, and hour of birth) things to do when moving or celebrating, spraying salt to chase ghosts that followed after going to a house, marriage beliefs, and many folk beliefs and superstitions that permeate our lives.
These folk beliefs and superstitions are not what a Christian should be concerned with and she concludes her article by telling the readers that she was proud that she didn't believe in these superstitious ways of so many but after thought, surprised that she unknowingly was involved with some of these beliefs and superstitions. She prays that we will be awake to the shamanism and superstitions that penetrate society.
