Traditional Korean Music
Traditional Korean music, known as 'gukak,' has a centuries-long history and is an essential aspect of Korea's cultural legacy. Gukak can be divided into three categories: court music, folk music, and religious music. Court music, performed during dynasty celebrations and rituals, comprises forms such as 'a-ak' (elegant music), 'dang-ak' (Tang music), and 'hyang-ak' (local music). These musical styles used classical instruments like the 'gayageum' (12-string zither), 'geomungo' (6-string zither), and 'piri' (bamboo oboe), creating a soundscape that was both melodically rich and rhythmically sophisticated, reverberating in the royal palaces of the Silla and Joseon Dynasties.
In contrast, folk music represents the Korean people's daily lives and feelings. 'Pansori' (story singing),'minyo' (folk songs), and'sanjo' (instrumental solo) are prominent styles that have retained Korean forefathers' original voices and spirits. Pansori, in particular, is a type of musical storytelling in which a'sorikkun' (singer) and a 'gosu' (drummer) narrate epic stories using expressive vocal methods and powerful rhythms. UNESCO has designated this genre as an intangible cultural asset, emphasising its global significance and the profound bond it fosters between artist and audience.
Modern artists have brought traditional Korean music back to life and given it a new meaning by combining sounds from the past with sounds from today. Kim Duk-soo is a well-known artist who is a master of 'samulnori', a type of rhythmic music that comes from traditional Korean folk music. Another well-known person is gayageum master Hwang Byungki, who has written many works that combine traditional Korean music with current styles. These artists have been very important in introducing gukak to people all over the world, making sure that it will continue to be appreciated and grow in the modern age.
A number of modern K-pop artists have also added traditional Korean music parts to their songs, bringing gukak to new audiences around the world. For example, BTS has used traditional Korean instruments and themes in their music and shows. For example, the ''gugak' drums are used in the song "Idol." The girl group LOONA has also used traditional Korean themes and styles to create meta-stories in their music and videos. By adding new elements in this way, traditional Korean music continues to grow and change, reaching and connecting with people all over the world.