Exploring Gugak: The Heartbeat of Traditional Korean Music
Gugak, literally translating to “national music,” is a term that encompasses the rich tapestry of traditional Korean music, along with related art forms such as dance and ceremonial performances. Though the origins of Korean music stretch deep into the country’s history, it was during the 15th century, under the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon dynasty, that the art form became formalized. King Sejong introduced jeongganbo, the first Asian system of musical notation, and championed the creation of Jongmyo Jeryeak, a sacred musical composition performed during royal ancestral rites. This musical tradition, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, remains vital to Korea’s cultural identity.
One can categorize gugak into several key genres, each representing a unique aspect of Korean society. Jeongak (or “legitimate music”) was composed for the Joseon royal court and aristocracy, while folk music such as pansori, sanjo, and japga gave voice to the common people. Jeongjae, a combination of music and dance, was performed during state ceremonies, and the spiritually significant music and dances tied to Korea’s shamanic and Buddhist traditions, including salpuri and seungmu, played an essential role in religious rituals. Gagok and sijo, poetic song forms beloved by the literati, add another layer of depth to the gugak tradition.
One of the most cherished elements of gugak is its instruments, which are as diverse as the genres they support. Wind instruments such as the piri and daegeum, stringed instruments like the gayageum and geomungo, and percussion instruments such as the janggu and kkwaenggwari work in harmony to create the distinct, timeless sound of traditional Korean music.
With its deep cultural roots and broad artistic range, gugak continues to captivate and inspire both Korean and global audiences today.
Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1735885612/1613367716
1. What is Jongmyo Jeryeak, and how is it connected to Korean cultural heritage?
2. How is jeongak different from Korean folk music?
3. What roles do instruments such as the gayageum and janggu play in gugak performances?
4. How has gugak remained relevant in modern times?
1. Why do you think music like gugak is important for preserving cultural identity?
2. How does gugak compare to traditional music from your own or other cultures?
3. Among the genres of gugak mentioned, which one interests you the most, and why?
4. In what ways could modern technology help preserve and promote gugak?
Gugak, literally translating to “national music,” is a term that encompasses the rich tapestry of traditional Korean music, along with related art forms such as dance and ceremonial performances. Though the origins of Korean music stretch deep into the country’s history, it was during the 15th century, under the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon dynasty, that the art form became formalized. King Sejong introduced jeongganbo, the first Asian system of musical notation, and championed the creation of Jongmyo Jeryeak, a sacred musical composition performed during royal ancestral rites. This musical tradition, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, remains vital to Korea’s cultural identity.
