National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Seoul Saenamgut was performed for the upper classes in Seoul to console the spirits of the dead and pray for their peaceful life in heaven. It is presumed that this rite was first performed during the Joseon Period (1392 –1910) and took on a more developed form during the 17th and 18th Centuries. The rite is composed of Andang Sagyeong Maji (spending time from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. in the courtyard) and Saenamgut, which is performed from the following morning by five female exorcists and six dancers to the accompaniment of janggo (hourglass-shaped drum), buk (drums), daegeum (bamboo flute), piri (flute) and other instruments. Seoul Saenamgut has features that cannot be found in the other exorcism rites. It displays elaborate composition and looks gorgeous. It includes both Buddhist and Confucian elements as well as contents relating to the royal court of the Joseon Period.

National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Donghaean Byeolsingut is a large-scale rite carried out in villages along the East Coast to pray for the peace and happiness of the village and the safety of fishermen. It is also called Pungeoje or Pungeogut (Ritual for Bountiful Fish) or Golmaegi Dangje (Ritual for the Village Guardian Golmaegi). The ritual is held annually, between March and May or between September and October, or every two/three years in some areas. The place the ritual is held is decorated flamboyantly, but the exorcists wear plain-looking costumes. This ritual features diverse dances, humorous dialogues, and gestures.

National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea This is a tutelary rite held in early January on the lunar calendar, or in spring or fall annually, or biennially or triennially near Seoul or Suwon or Incheon, to pray for peace and a good harvest. At present, a complete version of the rite can be seen only in Jangmal, Bucheon. The shrine for village guardians in the pine forest, which is more than 300 years old, tells us that the exorcism rite started during the Joseon Period (1392 – 1910). The rite starts in the morning and finishes the next day morning. It is performed by a hereditary exorcist skilled in songs and dances. Male exorcists liven up the atmosphere, doing tightrope walking, cracking jokes and displaying various feats. Songs and dances by gisaeng (female entertainers) used to be included, but they have disappeared. Participation of male exorcists (called Hwaraengi) in the rite distinguishes Gyeonggi-do Dodanggut from those performed in other areas. Music and rhythms used in this rite follow those of pansori (epic chant). Displaying high artistic quality, Gyeonggi-do Dodanggut is regarded as a valuable source material for anyone studying the country’s traditional culture.

National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Salpurichum refers to a dance extemporaneously performed by an exorcist to put an end to bad luck. It is called Dosalpurichum or Heoteunchum. The name salpuri was first used by the traditional dancer Han Seong-jun at his theater performances in 1903. The dancer performs to salpuri music in a white skirt and jacket, with a white handkerchief in hand to express graciousness and sentiment. It is said that the present-day salpurichum is one handed down in Gyeonggi-do and Jeolla-do Provinces. With the stabilization of the country toward the mid Joseon Dynasty and invigoration of the culture of commoners, it developed as a dance performed by clowns. Exorcism rites were prohibited during the colonial period (1910 – 1945) and this exorcism dance came to develop purely as an artistic dance. Salpurichum is a classic dance with high artistic value, expressing popular sentiment through beautiful movements and transforming sorrow into delight.