VISUALS: Seoul's blind ritual chanting preserved through generations

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - A rare performance of Seoul Blind Chanting, an ancient Korean ceremony recognized as part of Seoul's cultural heritage, took place Tuesday at Miari Pass Art Theater in Seoul on Wednesday.

The ritual, which dates back to the Joseon dynasty (1392- 1910), held a unique status as one of the few religious ceremonies permitted within Seoul's city walls during an era when most other rituals were prohibited.

The traditional practice, featuring chanters reciting ancient scriptures for blessings and healing, is now preserved by a small group of certified practitioners at the Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage Center.

Practitioners perform Seoul Blind Chanting at Miari Pass Art Theater in Seoul on Nov 6 2024 AJP Kim Dong-woo — Practitioners perform Seoul Blind Chanting at Miari Pass Art Theater in Seoul on Nov. 6, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo

Kim Dong-woo dong@ajupress.com