Han

Han-Puri: The Korean Art of Unraveling Grief

Han-puri — the process of releasing accumulated han — is one of the most important concepts in Korean emotional culture.

Han-puri — literally 'unraveling han' — describes the process of releasing or resolving accumulated han. It is one of the most important concepts in Korean emotional culture, reflecting the understanding that han, if not released, accumulates and causes harm. This article examines what han-puri is and how it works.

What Is Han-Puri?

Han-Puri Through Ritual

Han-Puri Through Art

Han-Puri Through Storytelling

Han-Puri and Korean Shamanism

The Contemporary Relevance of Han-Puri


Read the Book

This article is based on themes explored in depth in Han by Kim Jungseo, part of The Korean Wisdom Series.

Get Han on Amazon →

About the Author

Kim Jungseo 김정서 writes about Korean cultural philosophy for English-language readers who want depth rather than a simplified introduction. The Korean Wisdom Series explores six untranslatable Korean concepts that together form a coherent picture of Korean social and emotional life.

Full author biography →