I watched KPop Demon Hunters a few weeks back. Most of it was great, just the ending left me confused, like many online. Later, I learned the movie’s shaman-inspired demon-fighting elements actually came from real Korean Shamanism.
I decided to check it out on a trip to Korea last week. This was just what I found: the link between the movie and shamanism, what shamanism actually is, and which experiences are worth your time.👀
What Is Korean Shamanism? (Definition, History & Core Beliefs)
Korean shamanism Archives - Korean Quarterly
Korean Shamanism Definition
Korean Shamanism—known as “Muism” (무교) or “Sinism” (신교)—is Korea’s indigenous, animistic belief system. It centers on the idea that all things (mountains, rivers, trees, ancestors) have spirits (“sin” or “shin”), and that humans can communicate with these spirits through trained practitioners (mudangs). It’s not a rigid religion with a holy book or centralized church—more a living, adaptive tradition of healing, ritual, and cultural identity.
Korean Shamanism History
- Origins (3000 BCE–500 CE): Shamanism predates recorded Korean history. Archaeological finds (stone tools, cave paintings) suggest early Koreans practiced spirit worship and ritual healing. It was the dominant belief system until Buddhism and Confucianism arrived.
- Influence of Buddhism & Confucianism (500 CE–1900s): Buddhism (introduced 4th century) and Confucianism (adopted as state ideology in the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910) marginalized shamanism. Confucianism, which valued social hierarchy, labeled mudangs “low class” for their unconventional roles (women often led rituals, and they didn’t fit Confucian gender norms). Buddhism absorbed some shamanic elements (e.g., ancestor veneration), but shamanism persisted in rural areas.
- Colonial Era & Suppression (1910–1945): Japan’s colonial rule brought further suppression—shamanic rituals were banned, and mudangs were arrested. Despite this, the tradition survived underground, passed down through families.
- Modern Revival (1980s–Present): After democratization in the 1980s, shamanism reemerged. Young Koreans and foreigners have rediscovered it as a cultural heritage, not just a “superstition.” Today, it’s a mix of tradition and modernity—you’ll find mudangs using social media to book clients, alongside traditional shrine rituals.
Korean Shamanism Core Beliefs
- Animism & Spirituality: All natural elements (mountains, rivers, wind) and ancestors have “sin” (spirits). These spirits aren’t good or evil—they’re powerful forces that require respect to maintain balance.
- Balance (Harmony Between Worlds): The goal of shamanism is “ganjang” (간장)—balance between the human world (“in-gan”) and the spiritual world (“cheon-ji”). Imbalance causes suffering (illness, bad luck, anxiety).
- Mudangs as Mediators: Only mudangs can communicate with spirits. They’re “called” to their role through a spiritual awakening (“sin-nae-rim”)—often a period of illness or distress that ends when they accept their calling and undergo training (including rituals to “connect” with their guiding spirit).
- Rituals for Healing & Transition: Gut ceremonies are held for major life events (birth, marriage, death) or to resolve imbalance (e.g., a gut for someone grieving a loss, or for a community hit by natural disaster). Smaller rituals (like saju fortune-telling) are for personal guidance.
Types of Shamanic Practice
- Shrine-Based Mudangs: Work out of “gutdang” (굿당)—small shrines decorated with spirit symbols, drums, and offerings. They perform full gut ceremonies and one-on-one consultations.
- Mobile Mudangs: Travel to clients’ homes or communities to perform rituals (common in rural areas).
- Fortune-Tellers (Saju Masters): Specialize in “saju” (four pillars of destiny)—a fortune-telling system based on the year, month, day, and hour of birth. Many work in cafes or markets (the ones popular with foreigners).
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Is KPop Demon Hunters based on Korean Shamanism?
KPop Demon Hunters' Review: As Catchy as the Korean Music Phenom
Yes, its core elements (shaman-like warriors, talismans, rituals, and the idea of “demons” as emotional pain) draw directly from Korean Shamanism. They are arranged as follows:
(⚠️Spoiler alert! If you haven't watch the film, please skip this part)
- Shamanic practitioners (mudangs) as “hunters”: The girl group in the film acts as shaman-like fighters. In real Korean Shamanism, a “mudang” is a shaman, like someone who communicates with spirits. They don’t hunt demons, but they help people work through spiritual distress.
- Rituals (gut) and tools: The movie’s over-the-top rituals draw loose inspiration from “gut” (굿), which means real shamanic ceremonies with chants, music and dances to connect with spirits. The talismans the hunters use? Real mudangs give out similar items for protection.
- Demons as “spiritual imbalance”: Online, fans debate whether the demons in the movie are real or metaphors of shame and trauma. South Korean Shamans hold a similar view, spiritual struggles are often related to real-life problems such as anxiety or sadness. These matters need to be addressed, not ignored.
- Whistling as spirit communication: Hunters use quiet signals to call allies. In the true Shamanism, the Mudang people whistle to summon souls. I asked Mudan about this during my trip; she said it was like sending a message to the spiritual world.
Top 3 Korean Shamanism Experiences for Foreigners
How K-dramas are making shamanism cool for Gen Z and millennials ...
I tried this experience more than 3 times last week. These three are the most important-skip the others; they are just for tourists:
English-Speaking Fortune-Telling Cafes (사주 카페)
These are small cafes where mudang does saju (birthday reading) in English. They are not as scary as traditional shrines. I went to a hotel near Shindang Station in Seoul. Ms. Mudang Li speaks fluent English. She did not use confusing terms. She asked me about my work stress, linked it to my Saju chart, and gave simple advice-not something like "you'll get rich", just advice to stop overworking. Booking online (via Klook or Naver) helps; reservations are accepted in most places. If you want, mention that you like KPop Demon Hunter-Ms. Li has the same thoughts on the ending as I do. It costs about 100,000 to 150,000 won in 45 minutes. Talking about culture alone is worth it.
Night Palace Spiritual Tours
These tours take you through palaces such as Gyeongfu Palace or Changdeokgung after dark. The guide explained the shaman symbols in the building-which was more interesting than sightseeing during the day. I joined it with an English-speaking guide. They point to dragon statues (designed to drive away evil spirits) and garden designs (designed to balance energy). We stopped at a small shrine where Mudang sometimes held brief ceremonies. The palace I went to in winter was brightly lit and the snow was very special. Book a week in advance; during the busy season, they will fill up quickly. The tour lasted two hours and cost between 80,000 and 120,000 won.
Name-Giving Services (작명소)
These stores provide you with custom Korean names based on your saju. It's a cheap, meaningful carry on-better than a keychain. My name is "Seo-yun", which means "happy cloud". The staff explained what this meant, how to write it in Korean, and gave me a small certificate. There are many such shops in Myeongdong, and most of them have English menus. It cost 30,000 to 50,000 won.
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Korean Shamanism Tips for Travelers Visiting Korea
Korean Shamanism — NOTES FROM THE EDGE. On Art, Culture, Korea ...
- Respect customs: Take off your shoes at the shrine. Do not take photos during the ceremony without asking. Even if you are skeptical, don't make fun of this practice.
- Budget-wise: Enjoy two to three experiences for just 200,000 won. This is much cheaper than big purchases.
- Timing helps: Go to the cafe in the afternoon-there are not many people there. Book a night tour for a better atmosphere.
- Avoid over-hyped tourism: "K-pop shaman tourism" is just too expensive. I suggest you stick to the basic experiences; they feel more real.
That's it. Just honest info from someone who checked. If you like KPop demon hunters, or if you want to skip common travel content in South Korea, these Shaman experiences are a great way to connect with real Korean culture. I hope everything goes well for your trip.
[10% OFF] Find Best Hotels in Seoul
Seoul Hotels
5 star
Great518 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km from city center
Our family booked two large rooms on the 18th floor, each 55 square meters. We were traveling with children and had two 30-inch suitcases, which we could fully open in the room with no problem. The bathroom was also quite spacious with a wet and dry separation, and there was a bathtub, which was perfect after a tiring day of sightseeing and shopping. Every evening, there would be a thermos of hot red date and ginseng tea on the coffee table, and they even prepared a little surprise for the kids. Turndown service included placing slippers, water bottles, and glasses by the bedside. What touched me the most is that I'm a bit of a germaphobe and usually put a small towel under my jewelry and makeup bag. To my surprise, the hotel staff provided several neatly ironed and clean cloths for me to place my items on. I was genuinely moved; in over 20 years of staying at high-end luxury hotels, very few have demonstrated such meticulous attention to detail. This level of thoughtfulness from the Westin Chosun Seoul was truly exceptional! Thank you so much! The Executive Lounge breakfast was small but exquisite, and our whole family found it to be excellent. The ingredients were fresh and clean, and the taste was fantastic! 👍👍👍FromIDR 4,584,031
Amazing278 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.21km from city center
This hotel was great in every aspect. The lighting, air conditioning, and other features in the room were all controlled by a smart pad next to the bed, which was pretty cool. The hotel's location is excellent; it's right next to Lotte Department Store, and Myeongdong shopping street is also nearby. Deoksugung Palace is across the street, so you can walk there, and Gyeongbokgung Palace isn't too far either, about 1km away, also within walking distance. A heads-up: Korean hotels typically don't provide complimentary toothbrushes. They're usually found in the paid minibar area and cost an additional 1100 won, which is quite different from what you'd find in China.FromIDR 2,812,052
Very Good356 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km from city center
I stayed here for a night out in Seoul with a close friends from high school, and his wife meeting up in Asia. As always, when staying at the Grand Hyatt, you end up not having a “night out” but rather a “night in” because the amenities at the hotel are spectacular. The live band in the lobby bar, the pool turned into the Girbaud ice skating rink, amazingly cooked steakhouse, the indoor pool, etc etc. We had a great night, and once again, when staying at any Grand Hyatt, you never know who you’ll run into. On this occasion, we had run into solo artist/actor Mr Henry Lau, also from Super Junior, and was he was not only kind enough to take a quick photo with my friend’s wife, but I messed up the photo—and after learning I had bumbled the photo during her opportunity to meet one of her k-pop idols—was willing to take another entire series of photos.
The staff ended up helping me with a medical emergency in the middle of the night and stayed very calm during the entire process. Which I will also report to the company directly.
When traveling to Korea—Seoul, Jeju, etc. and anywhere abroad I often stay at the Grand Hyatt in the King Corner Suite. Such a beautiful room, but on this occasion it was just a normal King River view on 9F. A bit small for 3 people, but they made a sofa bed for me while I gave the couple the bed since I only grabbed the room for us (me) for a few hours before I head back to Wuhan—allowing my friends to enjoy the hotel to themselves after I departed. Easy checkout process for them. It was very nice.
Will definitely be back.
Grand Hyatt ＜3 !FromIDR 2,727,787
Great377 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km from city center
The hotel is big and beautiful, full of services and a great taste in design.
However, there’s too little staff compared to the space and the guests.
Check-in line is very long, the waiting for your luggage to be delivered and picked up is longer than the average. Also, they do not provide a room where guests that check out could get changed/shower before going to the airport.
Rooms are a little narrow and the bathroom not specially comfortable.
The rooftop though is amazing :)FromIDR 2,397,949
Amazing955 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.68km from city center
The room was excellent. I was greeted by staff right from check-in, and they were very friendly. They had even sent an email beforehand to arrange a lovely welcome gift. I also purchased breakfast, and the desserts on the first floor were incredibly delicious – truly deserving of their reputation as the best French pastries! The toiletries were also great. My stay was super enjoyable, and I'll definitely book again next time. The toiletries shop on the first floor was also a great deal with lots of freebies. Overall, a very satisfying trip!FromIDR 4,506,988
Business travel
Very Good770 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.16km from city center
A really nice hotel with a great location and warm service. It has its own garden and parking, which makes getting around super convenient. Facing the river, the scenery is pleasant, and the price is reasonable. I stay here every time.FromIDR 753,572
Great982 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km from city center
The room was a bit small, but we, two women, were able to open both our suitcases inside. We visited Korea in the middle of winter, and the hotel's location was incredibly convenient, whether by airport shuttle or subway. Taxis were also readily available. This was super important for us Southerners who really can't handle the cold! We didn't book breakfast at the hotel, but the lobby has an A Twosome Place cafe and a GS25 convenience store, which were perfectly fine for breakfast. There are also many restaurants near the hotel, so plenty of choices. Shinsegae, Namdaemun Market, and Myeongdong are all within walking distance. If we hadn't visited Seoul in winter, we probably would have explored even more.FromIDR 2,511,105
Very Good1242 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km from city center
Facilities: The vanity counter is spacious, perfect for makeup.
Cleanliness: Prompt housekeeping.
Environment: There's a convenience store downstairs, and restaurants are within walking distance. The cafe on the ground floor of the adjacent office building is great for breakfast, with a wide variety of options.
Service: 24-hour front desk service.
Transportation: The airport shuttle bus goes directly to the hotel entrance.FromIDR 1,126,747
Very Good1334 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km from city center
Environment: The location is excellent. It's just 20 meters straight ahead from Myeongdong Subway Exit 10. The airport bus stop is only 50 meters away, Myeongdong is right behind the hotel, and the North Face building and Daiso are across the street.
Service: It was just average, I didn't really experience any special service. The hotel requires check-in at 3 PM, and they stored my luggage for me. There's a self-check-in machine at the front desk, which was quite convenient and available in Chinese.
Facilities: It's definitely an older hotel. You absolutely need to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste, as the hotel doesn't provide them. They cost ₩1000 if you need to buy them.FromIDR 1,040,074
Very Good1947 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.14km from city center
The room was quite clean, not big, but it had shower gel, shampoo, and water. There's a water dispenser right outside the room, which was very convenient. The front desk staff were excellent! I encountered a few different staff members on duty, and they all spoke a bit of English. When they saw I bought instant noodles, they even proactively asked me in Chinese if I had chopsticks – I was so touched, I almost ended up without chopsticks for my noodles!FromIDR 811,354
Family friendly
Very Good1181 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km from city center
Location: Excellent, within walking distance to Myeongdong's main shopping area, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung.
Decor: Not old-fashioned at all, generally fitting for a 4-star hotel.
Extra bed for children: On our first day, Trip.com stated that this room type allowed for paid extra beds, but the hotel said no. After discussing with them, they agreed to add a bed for subsequent bookings. A few days later, when we checked in again, the bed was already set up in advance, which shows their excellent service.
Breakfast: Quite refined, with coffee prepared by the bar staff, good quality.
Cons: 1. The bathroom exhaust fan wasn't working, so bad odors lingered for a long time after using the toilet. 2. The shower door didn't close properly, leading to a lot of water overflowing onto the floor after every shower. We had to use multiple towels to soak it up.
Hope these two points can be improved.FromIDR 941,363
Very Good1860 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.5km from city center
Would definitely stay in this hotel if i come back to Korea again! location was convenient, staff was friendly and helpful! love the vibes of the room as well! the room is big enough!FromIDR 1,302,500
Very Good1577 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.67km from city center
Hotel is old, room ok for 2pax but old design. TV cant cast or mirror as old model and don't know why there is a metal near the windows which i always kick on it. Location is good, walking distance to namdaemun and minute's to walk to shopping mall and myeongdong. 2 michelin restaurant nearby which managed to tried this trip.
Will only consider to book if price is cheaper otherwise there are some new hotel almost the same price.FromIDR 1,191,752
Great2439 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.61km from city center
I have to say as a first time sole female traveler— I always travel solo and I must say! this place is a gem!
Lemme tell you first, the entrance to the hotel is at the side (I am bad with directions)… if you come late and the mall is close, face left and entrance is just at the side lol.
In front of the hotel, there are lots of restaurants and you can always eat as solo traveler. Lots of choices and good foods. Lots of street market vendors if you just walk 1-2minutes and love this.
I initially dont like the room (because of the view) (I only book places for their views tbh) as I have initially asked for a good view room on my request and all ;; and as what was advertised but it is my mistake for not booking city view room but I saw on some reviews they got nice city view room; and had to ask for a change because I stayed for 6nights. They advised as it was late, they have got no rooms available and informed me they will change on the next day. They promptly changed it on the morning itself saving me the time in to initially checking out and wait for availability. They were really quick in addressing the concerns I have and was very helpful. Really appreciate it as a first timer visitor in the city. Will definitely come back to this hotel and will book city view room next because so worth it!!!!
Thank you for being so kind and helpful ❤️❤️
DDP is just 5mins walk and was so mesmerised! I have got the trail view and the trail is just so pretty! Will include the pictures of the trail!
Once you got on the trail, you can see Namsan Tower as well! Very very wonderful stay!FromIDR 934,141
Great644 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km from city center
This is our 2nd time staying here. Housekeeping made our rooms daily. It was great coming back to a clean and neat room. The location is great as it was easy access to many places we visited. However, the friendliness of the staff was missing this time round. We did not feel welcomed as much as the 1st time we were there. We were invisible to the staff. No help was rendered for our luggage when my 10 yr old daughter and me were checking in or checking out. Just stating this point as feedback not a rant. We managed even without help rendered. We are used to travelling and being independent anyway. We still enjoyed our trip to Seoul tremendously. The price is on the high end but service does not justify the high price. I have stayed at other hotel chains with lower price but felt very much welcomed just by the warm and sincere smiles on the staffs’ faces.FromIDR 2,636,299
Hot spring
Great26 Reviews
University Road area Seoul|4.59km from city center
The location is great, with a subway station and bus stops nearby. We were the first Chinese guests to check in. The price was reasonable, 500 RMB a day. However, check-in was at night!!! Check-in wasn't until 10 PM. I don't know if it was because it was crowded that day or if check-in is always at 10 PM. It was my first time there, so I don't understand, but I respect it.FromIDR 936,548
Very Good2830 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.57km from city center
I highly recommend this hotel. The staff were incredibly approachable, accommodating, and genuinely eager to help with anything we needed. They were trustworthy and reliable from check-in to check-out, which made the whole stay feel effortless and comfortable.
The room was one of the best I’ve ever stayed in—clean, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with everything we needed for a relaxing experience. The service was exceptional, and every detail was taken care of so well.
Definitely a place I’d come back to.FromIDR 1,254,349
Very Good891 Reviews
Insadong / Bukchon Seoul|1.15km from city center
We stayed at Hotel Venue G in Seoul for 3 nights and really enjoyed our stay. The location is excellent, it’s close to many attractions, restaurants, and shops, and very convenient for getting around the city.
There’s also the beautiful Cheonggyecheon Stream right in front of the hotel, perfect for a peaceful walk in the morning or evening. The room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
Overall, a great place to stay if you’re looking for good value and a convenient location in Seoul.FromIDR 664,492
Very Good2248 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km from city center
Overall, a pleasant and comfortable experience staying in this hotel. For those booking, do be careful about the location. There are two Ninetrees, both located in Myeodong. Our stay is at the second establishment which is a 8-10 mins walk to the hub of Myeodong shopping. Kudos to the reception team for a 12pm check-in as my wife was unwell and also the best housekeeping team who responded promptly when we call for amenities. The Ahjussi housekeeper is forever friendly and nice. Worth a stayFromIDR 1,314,538
Great844 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.72km from city center
Second time in this beautiful hotel. We were in room 1222 on the 12th floor. The shower curtain on the first day was quite old the next day it was changed before we even mentioned it. The room do not have charging or plugs ne,t to the bed that was quiet a problem but after on our last night they added a multiple plug, after i have asked where i could charge our stuff, ghere is on on the table but it is not practical so well-done.FromIDR 2,202,935
Gym
Great680 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.73km from city center
Overall, I was very satisfied with the hotel!
First, the **location is superb**. It's right outside Hoehyeon Station, next to Shinsegae Department Store, and just a short walk (a few hundred meters) to the Myeongdong shopping district.
Second, the **service was impeccable**. The security guard at the entrance warmly greeted us and helped with our luggage. Check-in is on the 8th floor, which felt quite grand, and the staff were very attentive.
Last but not least, the **hotel facilities are top-notch**. The decor is a charming European vintage style. Our room was clean and well soundproofed. The double room came fully equipped with both a bathtub and shower, an electric bidet toilet, a coffee machine, and a mini-fridge.
A quick heads-up: the hotel **doesn't provide any toiletries**, so you'll definitely need to bring your own!FromIDR 2,578,517
Very Good500 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.39km from city center
Booked connecting rooms. Rooms were clean and spacious. Amenities were sufficient too. Location is just opposite the road from Myeongdong, very convenient. There is GS25 and a local coffee chain and Starbucks right downstairs. Only downside was the aircon is centrally controlled and it turns off when the set temperature is reached, so it can get a bit stuffy at times. Otherwise, it was a rather comfortable stay!FromIDR 1,699,751
Great872 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km from city center
Service staff are friendly and approachable. Location excellent to walkable places liked Shinsegae Dept Store, Lotte Mall, Insadong Cultural Street and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Laundry room available and complimentary lockers to keep luggages after check-out before heading to airport.FromIDR 2,219,788
Very Good759 Reviews
Gimpo Airport/ Magok Seoul|9.04km from city center
The hotel is near to 염창역 station exit2 and also easy to get to the airport bus. You can take airport bus near the station or walk to the Niagara hotel. U can The bus schedule at the airport bus station. For the room I got city view room, can see Han river. The view was so amazing. Next time if I come to Korea again I would like to recommend friend and family to stay here. ❣️FromIDR 633,193
Very Good3049 Reviews
Yeouido Seoul|8.19km from city center
Service: The front desk staff were great, accommodating all reasonable requests, and the housekeeping team was also very friendly.
Environment: The area is safe and transportation is convenient. After getting off the 6007 airport bus, it's just a two-minute walk to the hotel lobby. Yeongdeungpo Station (Line 1) is a 5-minute walk away.
Cleanliness: Clean and tidy.
Facilities: The equipment is well-maintained and looks new, with no damage, and is easy to use. Especially the power outlets, which directly fit Chinese appliance plugs.FromIDR 888,397
Swimming pool
Very Good326 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.79km from city center
This hotel next to Itaewon has small rooms and average facilities – nothing special, but clean. During the day, the location felt great; it was convenient to get everywhere since the subway entrance is right outside. But at night, it's a different story. Unless you're someone who can fall asleep instantly the moment your head hits the pillow, you're pretty much guaranteed a bad night's sleep. The clubs in Itaewon thump and boom until dawn, and even with earplugs in, that low-frequency vibrating 'thump-thump' sound will constantly get on your nerves.FromIDR 1,172,491
Great618 Reviews
Seoul|12.73km from city center
The Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences delivers a generally good stay. The rooms are a comfortable size, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully appointed, making it easy to unwind after a busy day in the city. The fitness center and pool area exceed expectations—spacious, well-equipped, and beautifully maintained.
However, there are a few drawbacks that can impact your experience. Weekend breakfast service is limited to just three fixed time slots (6:30, 8:00, and 9:30 AM). Arriving at 9:00 AM means a 30-minute wait, which feels frustrating compared to hotels that offer rolling buffet times or extra seating. Similarly, the pool requires reservations for certain time windows, and children under 16 aren’t permitted in the locker or changing rooms. This policy makes it awkward for a parent and child—while you can change, your daughter cannot, which seems poorly thought out.
Overall, the Sofitel Ambassador offers top-tier accommodations and amenities, but its rigid scheduling and family-unfriendly pool policies detract slightly from an otherwise wonderful hotel.FromIDR 4,124,183
Very Good236 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.75km from city center
JW is 5 star because of excellent assistance and service from the Conceirge to bellboy!
Oliver recommended and assisted us to book a nice dinner venue for my family at Seokparang. He even initiated to assist me in booking a cab.
Mason helped us with the luggage. He even took initiative to ask us for our airport transfer car plate number so he can keep a lookout for us. He even initiated to ask us to sit inside the hotel lobby while he kept a lookout for us. As he understood we are rushing to catch the flight, he even helped us to translate to the cab uncle to hurry for us.
All of them speak fluent English, are very warm hearted and takes initiative in offering excellent service with genuine smiles. Our hearts are deeply grateful to them. 5 star 🌟 because of them.
4 star for the rooms don’t have Netflix. It would be great if the family can gather over Netflix entertainment. Small issue though as the service more than cover up for everything! :) We were offered a nice river view which was romantic! Very clean hotel.
Location is excellent as train station and direct bus airport limousine is just by the hotel. Great connectivity.
Will definitely revisit this hotel again.FromIDR 3,666,743
Great91 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|2.72km from city center
I thought it would be great considering the price plus I've stayed there before in mainland China. But I was a little disappointed. Although the facilities are maintained, you can tell they are old. Especially the shower water is sometimes hot and sometimes cold... I was a little dumbfounded how could there be such a problem. For breakfast, if you are staying for several days, I suggest you don't buy it every day because there are only four sets to choose from. But they are very exquisite~ and delicious. The overall service is great, nothing to complain about. Especially the front desk lady is super good. She helped me call a taxi. I needed to change the address temporarily and she ran out to confirm with the driver. It's great. The attitude is also very good. There are people to help with luggage when getting on and off the car👍🏻👍🏻FromIDR 6,425,829
Great369 Reviews
Apgujeong/Cheongdam-Dong Seoul|6.4km from city center
Excellent location, but the facilities were quite disappointing otherwise. The decor and design were reminiscent of an upgraded budget hotel. Housekeeping consistently left behind items like forgotten tissues or towels in the room. The most frustrating part was on the first day at check-in; the front desk staff, struggling with English, tried to assign me either a twin room or an accessible room, despite my booking for a standard single king-sized bed. After I refused, I was told there were no rooms available because the hotel was full. Excuse me?! If a hotel is full, guests should be upgraded, not asked to downgrade! After I firmly stated my refusal, the front desk claimed they'd consulted with a manager and found me a 'very good room.' It turned out to be the exact room type I had originally booked. What a ridiculous charade! Paying 2800 a night, I certainly didn't expect to experience such service and disrespectful treatment.FromIDR 4,771,822
Breakfast
Great1427 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km from city center
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/5 Stars — Absolutely Exceptional!
My stay at Nine Tree by Parnas Dongdaemun was nothing short of amazing! From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel genuinely welcomed with warm smiles and top-tier service. The room was spotless, modern, and incredibly comfortable — the kind of space you instantly relax in after a long day of exploring Seoul.
The location is perfect, just steps away from Dongdaemun’s shopping, food, and cultural sights. Whether I needed directions, recommendations, or assistance, the team went above and beyond every single time. The little touches — thoughtful amenities, attention to detail, and impeccable cleanliness — truly made this stay stand out.
I’ve stayed at many hotels, but this experience easily deserves 10 out of 5 stars. I can’t recommend Nine Tree by Parnas Dongdaemun enough, and I’ll absolutely be returning on my next trip to Seoul.
An unforgettable stay! 🙌✨FromIDR 1,129,155
Very Good934 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km from city center
The hotel offers a really good accommodation as our travel in Korea seoul, even though we are confused there’s same hotel but diff location. Front desk is very helpful and general. Bedroom is clean, and their house keeping is doing great job too to keep room clean and tidy all the time.FromIDR 1,836,983
Very Good891 Reviews
Seoul|7.39km from city center
I chose this hotel for its convenient location near KSPO. It's also just a short walk to the subway station, with plenty of dining choices in the vicinity. The room itself was quite spacious, and there are convenience stores readily available. The only downside is that there isn't much in terms of attractions or shopping nearby, but it was a decent stay nevertheless.FromIDR 705,421
Very Good521 Reviews
Samseong-dong Seoul|9.79km from city center
We stayed for just one night, and it was perfect. The room size was decent since we were mostly out. The location is excellent for shopping and dining across the street is Coex Mall, with direct access to the station that connects to the airport limousine bus—fully sheltered. Highly recommended!FromIDR 1,791,239
Very Good313 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.04km from city center
Third time staying here. Room was very spacious and shower had nice pressure. Clean and quite with shops nearby. Excellent amenities. Now has breakfast tied in with stay no way to choose without breakfast . Food was very basic with slight changes in menu daily. Taste is passable.SOLD OUT
FAQs about Korean Shamanism
Is KPop Demon Hunters based on shamanism?
Yes—its core elements (shaman-like warriors, talismans, rituals, and the idea of “demons” as emotional pain) draw directly from Korean Shamanism. The movie amplifies these concepts into a K-pop-fueled action narrative, but the spiritual foundation is authentic.Is shamanism still practised in Korea?
Yes—there are ~150,000 practicing mudangs, and millions of Koreans engage with shamanic practices (saju, talismans, gut ceremonies) during their lives. It’s no longer marginalized—young Koreans and foreigners view it as a cultural heritage and form of healing.Why do Korean shamans whistle?
Whistling is a traditional way to communicate with spirits. Short, soft whistles summon benevolent spirits (ancestors, mountain spirits), while longer whistles ward off restless or negative spirits. It’s a “gentle signal” that respects the spirit world—loud noises are seen as disrespectful.How is Korean Shamanism different from Buddhism/Confucianism?
Buddhism focuses on enlightenment and reincarnation; Confucianism on social hierarchy and ethics. Korean Shamanism is animistic—centered on spirit communication and balance. It’s not mutually exclusive: many Koreans blend shamanic practices (e.g., ancestor rituals) with Buddhism or Confucianism.Where are the best shamanic shrines to visit in Korea?
Top spots: Inwangsan Shrine (Seoul), Geomun Island Shrine (Jeollanam-do), and Bukhansan Mountain Shrines (Seoul). These are authentic, not tourist-focused—you may see locals participating in rituals.Can foreigners participate in a full gut ceremony?
Yes—some rural mudangs welcome foreigners to full gut ceremonies (for life events or community healing). Contact a local tour company (like Korea Cultural Travel) to arrange—advance notice (2–3 weeks) is required, and you’ll need to follow etiquette (dress modestly, remove shoes, no photos during rituals).How much does a shamanic consultation cost in Korea?
Prices vary: Saju readings cost ~100,000–150,000 won (45 mins), gut ceremony observations ~80,000–120,000 won, and one-on-one healing rituals ~300,000–500,000 won (1 hour). Avoid overpriced “VIP tours”—stick to local shops or trusted platforms like Trip.com.