Minsin

Minsin is a Korean word (민신) that refers to folk beliefs or popular religious beliefs, often encompassing a wide range of traditions, superstitions, and localized practices. It stands in contrast to more formalized, established religions like Buddhism, Confucianism, or Christianity. Minsin often includes ancestor veneration, shamanistic rituals, beliefs in spirits (귀신, gwishin), and geomancy (풍수지리, pungsu jiri). It is deeply intertwined with Korean history and culture and varies significantly across different regions and communities. Elements of Minsin often persist even among individuals who identify with a more established religion. Aspects can include divination, rituals performed for good fortune and protection, and beliefs in auspicious or inauspicious omens. The term can sometimes carry a connotation of being less sophisticated or "backwards" when contrasted with more recognized and systematized religious practices. The precise boundaries of what constitutes "Minsin" are fluid and often contested, as it represents a constantly evolving amalgamation of cultural practices and beliefs.