지신밟기 (JSBK)

지신밟기 (地神밟기; Ji Shin Balp Ki) is an annual traditional folk practice that occurs around Lunar New Year in which townspeople parade around town, visiting every house while beating their drums. The sound of the drums and lively performance are meant to soothe or assuage the spirits around us so that they do not rile up and bring misfortune. Marching to step on evil spirits so that they stay beneath the ground is another way to understand the meaning of the performance. 지신밟기 (JSBK) was an exciting way to bring in the new year and wish good fortune for family and neighbors alike. Although it is not practiced as prevalently any more in modern Korea, the tradition remains in the form of 풍물 (Pungmul).