The famous and conventional village exorcism of Korea is not accurately transmitted of its origin. The subject exorcism has been continuously kept among the village people in traditional manner from the old ancient time. It might be out of interest of the people when it was first performed and it was not their important concern. The origin of Waepori Gochang exorcism is not clarified yet, but it is presumed it was initiated from old times.

  The seniors of the village assigned with management of Gochang exorcism from the earlier time of 1940 remember the performance of exorcism existed from their childhood. They also heard that the exorcism had been succeeded from the grand father's in old days. The installation of Sangsandang and master of exorcism house can not be traced back at present time. According to the information of mouth to mouth the master can retroactively identified as Go Giun(1879~1944) Jo Bokeum(mid of 1880~end of 1930) and Yu seong seniors (nick name, 1810~1880).

 Then it is understandable that the Waepori Gochang exorcism was inherited from later part of Joseon dynasty of 18~19 century.  The master god of Sangsandang shrine are general Teukjae and or general Teuk tae.

 Even that any historical person were special divine spirit become a guardian god of village based on a profound relation with certain region, the village altar should be established. Along with consideration that the village exorcism can be realized only when subject god and altar arranged, the Waepori Gochang exorcism was initiated when the shrine was dedicated to General Im Gyeongeop. However, general Teukjae is not well identified yet.

 Someone thought he was surmised to be general Im Gyeongeop and or any voluntary militia soldiers killed at the battle in defence of Waepori. Among the altars of Ganghwado there are several shrines to worship General Im Gyeongeop including memorial shrines located in Gapgotni Jinhae village and Gindae shrine in Dae-eunni Oyujeong village. In belief that General Im defended the village and helped promote prosperity, people sometimes mistakenly confuse General Im and general Teukjae. Principal god of Sangsandang shrine should be solemnly a shrine for general Teukjae likewise the instance in the past.

 In old days of neighbouring villages, they were allowed to perform their exorcism only after the conclusion of Waepori exorcism. This is an eloquent fact that verifies the superior dignity of Sangsandang shrine's divinity.

 There are many shrines related with generals of Goryeo era. In the Goryeo dynasty they had unusual struggles against the Japanese pirate and foreign invaders. Taking this historical fact into consideration, general Teukjae who had close relations with village should be possibly recognized as a patriot and loyal warriors. Waepori Gochang exorcism belongs to Dodang a greater exorcism which exercise in the major prayer to make good haul for the fishermen of Jeon po village and also to have large harvest for farmers of Daejeong  village.  In general circumstance taking the Dodang greater exorcism style prevailing in  Seoul and Gyeonggi into account, they have developed another style of exorcism for a good haul to be brought to fishermen and ship's owner.

 Sangsandang shrine as nominated upper shrine and in the mid of hilly plateau a good fortune cheongsalmun gate is erected these and in the lower area yellow earth is spread around of which layout constitute a form of upper and lower shrine structure as a whole. Every 2 or 3 years Gochang exorcisms are performed in the beginning stage of lunar February. With a consent of representatives of village and shrine, auspicious day is chosen to decide the assignment. The number of person and role by different assignment should be organized and the expenses will be borne by each household according to individual affordability. All the shamans with tasks assigned each carry out all the procedures of Gochang exorcism in compliance with old manners for 4 days exorcism performances. The performance will adjourn by 4 o'clock afternoon during the day and the game & the play of the villager will be held at night in the practice of conventional and local community festival.

 Through the historical experience with Dodang exorcism of  Seoul and Gyeonggi regions, most of them have been generalized and this Gochang exorcism has maintained the style and content of conventional village exorcism. However, under suppression of Joseon dynasty this "Gochang" exorcism was unavoidably shrunk. The shrinkage is evidenced with the exclusion of tramping the earth god and of the performance cycle to be held every 2 or 3 years instead of the yearly performance.

 Waepori Gochang exorcism has been keeping the rule of personnel assignment and a role in the good preservation of conventional exorcism of old days. About 20 years ago a lot of curious bystanders from neighbouring villages and merchanter gathered with at night of performance duration. This reveals the exorcism was a great festival in those days.