Korea is a country between two

very influential cultures in Asia

namely, China and Japan. Its music
is marked by a gradual
development over time rather than
by drastic changes.
Its music is distinctively unique
despite the massive influences of
China and Japan. The Korean
traditional music is divided into
two categories, the Chong-ak and
the Sog-ak.
Korean traditional music can be divided
into the music of the ruling class and
the music for the common people.
Chong-ak is known as the good and
noble music.
It is a court music for the ruling class
that is expressed in a refined and
elegant manner.
There are two types of Chong-
ak called the A-ak and Min’gan
Chong-ak.
*A-ak is a type of music used
inside the palace.
*Min’gan Chong-ak is a type of
music used outside the palace.
Sog-ak is the music of the
ordinary people. This music is
designated for the common
people including the Shamans,
the Budhhists, the folks and the
farmers.
Korean music is written in triple
time and its vocal music in three
forms characterized by its
sophisticated lyric song (kagok),
narrative song (kasa) and
indigenous popular song (sijo).
 Different kinds of Sog-ak:
• Shaman
• Pomp’ae (buddhist music)
• Nong-ak (farmer’s song)
• P’ansori (song drama)
• Mimyo (native melody)
• Sanjo (solo instrumental song)
 Musical Instruments of Korea:
• Aerophones (Wind Instruments)
1.P’iri is a cylindrical bamboo similar to an
oboe blown through a double reed
mouthpiece.
2.Danso is a small notched vertical bamboo
flute with five finger holes.
3.Chottdae is a long flute made of bamboo
with six holes.
• Chordophones (Stringed instruments)
1.Gayagum is a twelve-stringed zither similar
to the Koto of Japan and Ch’in of China. It is
supported by twelve movable bridges.
2.Komungo is a six-stringed zither that plays
as the principal instrument for a small
group of players.
3.Haegum is a two-stringed fiddle made of
bamboo that is plucked. It is used for dance
performances.
• Idiophones (Percussion instruments)
1.Qwaenggwari is the smallest gong struck
with a wooden mallet.
2.Pak is a clapper shaped like a folded fan. It
consists of six pieces of wood loosely held
together at the upper end by chord made
from deer skin.
3.Jing is a huge gong played with a padded
mallet. This is used in military and Shaman
music.
• Membranophones
1.Janggu is an hour-glass-shaped drum
played by striking either of both ends.
The thick leather head produces a low
sound while the thin leather gives a
brighter tone sound.