Dancing in the Forest

“An amazing account of intensive and innovative fieldwork with several immigrant Korean shamans. Dr. Hong provides a captivating description and analysis of this popular divination process, featuring the diviners and the wide-ranging petitioners seeking ‘good luck’ and guidance.”


—Herbert B. Huffmon, Drew University, emeritus





“Very few scholars have researched the topic of Korean shamanism in a global context. This study offers a new perspective on Korean shamanism in a comparative, global, and diasporic context practiced in the Korean immigrant community. . . . I would highly recommend this book for those interested in Korean shamanism, the Korean immigrant community, and Korean immigrant Christianity.”


—Young Chan Ro, George Mason University





“The retentions and modifications of immigrant religions, especially involving women, are too little studied. After years of intensive fieldwork with Korean shamans and clients in the northeastern US, Dr. Hong has produced a valuable account which enlightens outsiders about these critical life-affirming rituals and their practitioners. She reveals, with much sensitivity, the complexities faced by those who are, in effect, caught between cultures. A very important work for comparative research as well as for Koreans themselves.”


—Dr. Philip M. Peek, emeritus from Drew University