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The Review of Korean Studies

  • P-ISSN1229-0076
  • E-ISSN2733-9351
  • SCOPUS, ESCI

ISSN : 1229-0076

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Vol.29 No.1

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Religious Syncretism between Daoist and Shamanistic Imagery in Goguryeo Tomb Murals

The Review of Korean Studies / The Review of Korean Studies, (P)1229-0076; (E)2733-9351
2026, v.29 no.1, pp.237-258
https://doi.org/10.25024/review.2026.29.1.008
William Gilbert
William, G. (2026). Religious Syncretism between Daoist and Shamanistic Imagery in Goguryeo Tomb Murals, 29(1), 237-258, https://doi.org/10.25024/review.2026.29.1.008

Abstract

This paper investigates the syncretic interplay between Daoist and shamanistic imagery in Goguryeo tomb murals of Korea’s Tree Kingdoms period. Focusing on motifs from the Anak, Ohoe and Samsilchong tomb mural complexes, the study traces how indigenous spiritual symbols, such as shamanic figures and cosmological patterns, were reinterpreted through imported Daoist cosmology. Through a comparative iconographic and textual analysis, it argues that these murals reveal a dynamic process of cultural exchange, wherein Daoist cosmological themes were integrated into Korea’s pre-existing shamanic worldview. The visual synthesis of divine figures like Fuxi and Nüwa with native spiritual motifs demonstrates not mere artistic borrowing but the formation of a localized religious language that articulated the unity of heaven, earth, and humanity. This study contributes to understanding how Daoist metaphysics and indigenous Korean beliefs coexisted and interacted during the early development of Korea’s religious identity, offering new insights into the spiritual pluralism of premodern East Asia.

keywords
Goguryeo tomb murals, Daoism in Korea, Korean shamanism, religious syncretism, Three Kingdoms period

The Review of Korean Studies

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