A Study of View on Child Rearing in Korean Myths: Focusing on Shamanism

Abstract

This paper analyzes the view on Child Rearing in Korean Myths. It aims to convey value of Korean traditional ways of child rearing. In South Korea, child rearing is regarded as one of the most important social matters. Due to the low birth rate, Korea tries to take social responsibility for child rearing. Even though there have been overflowing information about how to raise children, parents have anxiety about parenting. South Korea have many traditional ways of child rearing. Korean traditional child rearing methods can provide solutions for reducing parents’ anxiety. However many parents have doubt about how effective these were. It is because they consider such methods unscientific and less professional. So many researchers insist that these parents need to realize values about Korean traditional child rearing. Among Korean myths, shamanistic myths that reflect common people's life patterns and lives show Korean people's life values, culture and everlasting wisdom. To begin with, the study selected a total of 12 shamanic myths and analyzed contents about setting, characters, and events. The results of the study were summarized in four meanings: First, Affective Rearing; Display of Boundless love. Second, Independent of Rearing; Letting Children GO. Third, Rearing of Destiny; Becoming a Parenthood. Fourth, Relation Oriented Rearing. It can be guidelines to plan parent education and child-care support system, based on Korean cultural identity.