Seungmu (Monk's Dance), a dance performed by a performer in a monk’s robe, is one of the leading folk dances of the country. There are several theories about the origin of Seungmu: one from a Buddhist cultural history perspective, one with a view that it originated in Kim Man-jung’s novel Guunmong (Dream of Cloud Nine), and one saying that it stems from a mask play containing elders’ dance and depraved monks’ agony. It is said to have started to develop among gisaeng (female entertainer). The dance is completely devoid of factors associated with religion, stage play, or play for fun. The dancer’s movements are similar to those of the Salpurichum (Exorcism Dance). The dancer performs to the tune of praying to Buddha, dodeuri rhythm, taryeong (Korean folk song), and gutgeori rhythm, jajinmori rhythm, etc., in white monk’s robe and gasa (ceremonial upper robe), white gokkal (conical hat), and elegantly raised front of beoseon (traditional Korean socks). The dancer displays unique gestures by whirling the sleeves to the accompaniment of piri (flute), daegeum (bamboo flute), haegeum (two-stringed fiddle), janggo (hourglass-shaped drum), and buk (drum). This is a very exquisite form of dance that expresses delicate rhythms and body movements as well as the sublimation of the feeling of joy and sorrow.