Encountering My Uncle-in-Law’s Ghost

Encountering My Uncle-in-Law’s Ghost at a Shaman Kut

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In 1991, I was living in South Korea working as a vice consul. My Korean Uncle-in-Law was a grumpy, old alcoholic man who somehow liked me. He could and did drink me under the proverbial table on more than one occasion until he developed liver cancer and died within weeks.

My wife and I went to the funeral which featured a shaman Kut – a shaman came out and started channeling my Uncle-in-Law insulting everyone there including me. The ghost stopped and thanked me for being his drinking buddy then continued the insults. She had it down pat. I felt that I was seeing his ghostly spirit.

My wife is very sensitive to spirit things as am I. We were freaked out seeing his ghostly spirit in the Kut ceremony. So we left. I had to go. That was one of the most freaky things I had ever experienced and that memory haunted my dreams.


Write a story or poem inspired by this prompt:

A conversation with a ghost.

One of your genres must be Paranormal

tell me about Korean shaman funeral rituals
Korean shaman funeral rituals are deeply rooted in the country's indigenous Shamanism, as well as Confucian and Buddhist traditions. Here are some key aspects:
Preparation of the Body
• Washing and Dressing: The body is washed and dressed in traditional burial clothes called suui. Cotton is placed in the ears and nose, and coins are placed over the eyes2.
• Rice Ritual: Three spoonfuls of rice are placed in the mouth of the deceased, symbolizing a wish for plenty in the afterlife.
Funeral Service
• Eldest Son's Role: The eldest son (or grandson) is responsible for funeral preparations and is known as the sangju (chief mourner).
• Emotional Expression: It is common for mourners to express their emotions outwardly, including wailing, known as kok.
Burial Site Selection
• Geomancy: A geomancer selects the burial site, considering natural features like water, mountains, and hills to ensure good fortune for the deceased's spirit.
• Roadside Memorial: A noje (roadside memorial) is held to honor the deceased before the burial.
Shaman's Role
• Rituals: A shaman performs rituals to rid the burial site of evil spirits and bless the site.
Post-Funeral Rituals
• Three-Day Mourning: Traditionally, the funeral is held on the third day after death, with mourning continuing for three days.
These rituals are designed to ensure a peaceful transition for the deceased's soul to the afterlife and to honor their memory.