Shamanism has been spreading in North Korea since the early 2000s despite the prohibition on religious activities, a shaman who defected last year said.

Kang Mi-soon, who used to reside in Pyongyang, spoke Monday at a press conference organized by NK Intellectuals Solidarity, the World Institute for North Korean Studies and the GyeoRe-Eol Nation United organization.

Kang said it seems that shamanism is quite prevalent North Korean life.

“North Koreans widely believe in shamanism. Before marriage they check their marital compatibility, when moving houses they check the site of their future home, and before they leave for business people used