Exploring Korean Traditional Music: Gugak, Pansori, and more
Korean popular music, or K-pop, has become such a global phenomenon that even those with limited exposure to the genre have likely heard one or two K-pop songs once. However, K-pop isn’t all that Korea offers. As a land steeped in rich cultural heritage, the country also boasts a rich repository of traditional music with centuries of history. Curious about this side of Korean music? From gugak to pansori, we’ll share with you all about the music that has shaped Korea’s art and entertainment scene.
Learn More: The K-Pop Dream: What Does It Take To Be An Idol In Korea
What is Korean Traditional Music?
Korean traditional music is a musical genre deeply intertwined with the heritage of the Korean Peninsula. It showcases a diverse range of styles, instruments, and performance forms, each resonating with its unique charm and historical significance.
In ancient Korea, music was categorised into two types: those enjoyed by the royal family, and the ones available to the commoners.
Within the royal court, indulging in music was a sophisticated affair carefully curated to offer an exquisite experience. Pieces were tailored to the tastes of the aristocracy, and often featured elegant and intricate compositions performed on instruments like the gayageum—a traditional zither—and daegeum—a bamboo flute.
On the other hand, music enjoyed by the commoners embodies a raw, emotional depth, and is usually accompanied by a singer.
Types of Korean Traditional Music
1. Jongmyo Jeryeak
Source: Kbs World Radio
Jongmyo Jeryeak (종묘제례악 jong-myo-je-lye-ag) is a Korean court music performed five times a year at the ancestral rites of the Joseon royal family. Today, it’s only practised once at the Jongmyo Shrine, where the memorial tablets of the Joseon Dynasty’s kings and queens are enshrined.
Jongmyo Jeryeak is a music form that holds the highest position in court music. There is little to no excitement or popularity surrounding it because it has to be strictly conducted according to protocol.
It’s name is constructed from three different vocabulary:
- 종묘 (jong-myo, 宗庙) — Jongmyo Shrine, Royal Ancestral Shrine
- 제례 (je-lye, 祭礼) — Ritual
- 악 (ak, 乐) — Music
2. Pansori
Source: Kocis
Pansori (판소리 pan-so-li) is a unique traditional performing art that usually only involves two performers: a singer and a drummer. The singer will tell stories through song and the accompaniment of drum sounds. Typically, songs performed will convey epic tales of love, hardship, and the human life drawn from Korea’s rich folklore and history.
3. Gugak
Gugak (국악 gug-ak, 国乐) literally translates into English to mean Korean traditional music. It refers to a music form that existed before the Japanese colonial era in 1910, which means that it is a type of music rooted in centuries of history and tradition too. Different musical instruments like the gayageum, daegeum, and haegeum—two-stringed fiddle, as well as various vocal styles are employed in this genre of music.
Other genres of Korean traditional music, such as 아악 (a-ak), 당악 (dang-ak, and 향악 (hyang-ak) all fall under the broader umbrella of gugak.
- A-ak refers to the music of the royal court during the Joseon Dynasty.
- Dang-ak refers to chamber music and was performed in aristocratic homes and scholar-official residences during the Joseon Dynasty.
- Hyang-ak translates to folk music and represents the common people of ancient Korea. It includes various regional folk traditions and styles.
4. Trot
Trot (트로트 teu-lo-teu) is a popular and endearing genre of music in South Korea that gained prominence in the early 20th century. It actually isn’t Korean traditional music, but it is a music genre highly-loved by both the young and old.
Trot has its own unique musical elements and lyrical themes, and is characterised by catchy melodies, rhythmic beats, and sentimental lyrics that explore topics such as love, nostalgia, and daily life. Its “retro” vibe and seamless blend of old and new styles is the reason for its huge popularity.
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