South Korean Folk Music 101

Looking to expand your musical horizons? Why not give South Korean folk music a try? In this blog post, we’ll give you a crash course on this genre, including some of its defining characteristics and some of its most popular artists.

Introduction to South Korean Folk Music

South Korea has a wide variety of folk music which includes, but is not limited to, Jeongga, Pungmul and Sanjo. Jeongga is characterized by its use of the janggu, a traditional Korean drum, whereas Pungmul incorporates the use of various percussion instruments such as the jing and the buk. Sanjo, on the other hand, is solo instrumental music that is often improvised.

Folk music in Korea is often used for shamanistic rituals and celebrations such as births, deaths, weddings and New Year’s Day. It is also used as a form of entertainment at festivals and other gatherings. Some of the most popular folk songs in Korea include “Arirang” and “Sanlimprovisation”.

If you’re interested in exploring South Korean folk music further, there are a few ways to do so. There are numerous YouTube channels that feature traditional Korean music, such as “South Korea Traditional Music” and “Traditional Music TV”. You can also purchase CDs or DVDs of folk music from online retailers such as Amazon or YesAsia. Finally, if you happen to be in Korea, you can visit one of the many museums or cultural centers which offer performances or exhibits on traditional Korean music.

The History of South Korean Folk Music

South Korean folk music has a long history, dating back to the prehistoric era. Korean folk music is typically divided into two categories: “sogak” (instrumental music) and “minyo” (vocal music). Sogak includes a wide variety of subgenres, such as Jeongsangso (court music), Namsadang nori (street theatre), daechwita (military band music), sinawi (shaman ritual music), and gut (farmers’ band music). Minyo, on the other hand, encompasses both work songs and love songs.

While much of Korea’s traditional folk music has been lost or forgotten over time, there has been a recent resurgence in interest in this genre among younger generations. In recent years, there have been a number of musical groups that have brought traditional Korean folk songs back to life, often with a modern twist. These groups have helped to reintroduce South Koreans to their musical roots and have brought new life to an important part of Korea’s cultural heritage.

The Different Types of South Korean Folk Music

There are many different types of South Korean folk music. Some of the most popular and well-known types are Jeongga, Pansori, Sinawi, and Sanjeong.

Jeongga is a type of Korean folk music that originated in the Joseon Dynasty. It is characterized by its use of vocals and instruments, as well as its poetic lyrics. Jeongga is often performed at festivals and other events.

Pansori is another type of Korean folk music that is also quite popular. It is characterized by its use of narration, singing, and percussion instruments. Pansori is often performed by a single singer accompanied by a drummer.

Sinawi is a type of Korean folk music that is similar to Western classical music. It is characterized by its use of instruments such as the violin and cello, as well as its more formal structure. Sinawi is often performed in concert halls and other formal settings.

Sanjeong is a type of Korean folk music that is similar to jazz music. It is characterized by its use of improvisation and syncopation. Sanjeong is often performed in clubs and other informal settings.

The Instruments Used in South Korean Folk Music

South Korean folk music uses a variety of different instruments, many of which are unique to the country. Here is a guide to some of the most common instruments you’ll see in a South Korean folk music performance.

-The gayageum is a twelve-stringed zither that is played with a plectrum. It is often considered to be the national instrument of Korea.
-The haegeum is a two-stringed fiddle that is played with a bow. It has a distinctive high-pitched sound.
-The piri is an oboe-like instrument that has a very mellow sound.
-The daegeum is a large bamboo flute that produces a very powerful sound.
-The janggu is a percussion instrument that consists of two drums, one larger than the other. It is played with sticks.

The Popularity of South Korean Folk Music

In recent years, South Korean folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity, both inside and outside of Korea. Thanks to the Internet and social media, traditional Korean music has been able to reach new audiences, both in Korea and abroad.

One of the most popular genres of Korean folk music is pansori. Pansori is a type of narrative singing that originated in the Joseon Dynasty. Traditionally, pansori was performed by a single singer and a single drummer, but in recent years it has become more common for pansori songs to be performed by a small ensemble.

Another popular genre of Korean folk music is gayageum byeolsin eumagi. Gayageum byeolsin eumagi literally means “playing the gayageum under the stars”, and it is exactly what it sounds like – musicians playing traditional Korean instruments (including the gayageum, a 12-string zither) outdoors at night. This type of music is often associated with Korea’s Buddhist temples, as it used to be common for monks to play gayageum byeolsin eumagi to help them stay awake during their nighttime meditations.

If you’re interested in learning more about South Korean folk music, there are plenty of resources available online. YouTube is a great place to start, as there are many videos of traditional Korean musicians performing their music.

The Influence of South Korean Folk Music

While the South Korean music industry is dominated by K-pop, there is a rich history of folk music in the country that spans centuries. Folk music was an important part of daily life for Koreans until the early 20th century when Western styles began to influence the country.

Since then, traditional Korean folk music has experienced a revival, thanks in part to the work of renowned musician Kim Suk-chun. Kim has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting Korean folk music, both within South Korea and abroad.

Traditional Korean folk music is characterized by its use of natural sounds and instruments, as well as its focus on storytelling. The genre often tells stories of the everyday lives of farmers and fishermen, as well as tales of famous historical figures.

South Korean folk music has been influenced by a number of different cultures over the years, including Mongolia, China and Japan. These influences can be heard in the use of certain instruments and musical techniques. For example, the gayageum (a twelve-string zither) is thought to have originated in China, while the pansori (a type of narrative singing) style was influenced by Japanese Kabuki theater.

Today, South Korean folk music continues to evolve as more and more people are exposed to it both inside and outside of the country. Thanks to musicians like Kim Suk-chun, this rich tradition is sure to be enjoyed by generations to come.

The Future of South Korean Folk Music

With the rising popularity of K-Pop around the world, it’s easy to forget that South Korea has a rich and vibrant folk music tradition. From shamanic ceremonies to farmers’ work songs, folk music has long played an important role in Korean culture. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Korean music, with a new generation of musicians finding creative ways to modernize the genre. Here’s a look at the future of South Korean folk music.

One of the most popular contemporary interpretations of traditional Korean music is the fusion style known as “trot.” Trot is a fast-paced genre that combines elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop with traditional Korean instrumentation and melodies. While trot has been around for decades, it has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to its appeal to younger audiences.

Trot singer Jang Yoon-jeong is one of the most popular trot performers in South Korea. A former television variety show star, Jang is known for her catchy hooks and lively stage persona. Her 2014 album Modern Times was a huge success, earning her a Best Female Artist award at the 2015 Korean Music Awards.

Another exciting development in the world of Korean folk music is the increasing popularity of samulnori, a traditional percussion ensemble music style. Samulnori is usually performed by four musicians playing a variety of drums and gongs. The fast-paced, energetic rhythms are perfect for dancing, and samulnori performances are often accompanied by lively folk dances.

The SamulNori All Stars are one of the most popular samulnori groups in South Korea. Formed in 2001, the group has performed all over the world, including at major international festivals like Glastonbury and WOMAD. In 2010, they released their first album outside of South Korea, SamulNori Global Beats, which received critical acclaim from fans and critics alike.

As South Korea continues to grow as a global cultural powerhouse, it’s clear that its rich musical traditions will continue to thrive and evolve. With exciting new interpretations of old favorites like trot and samulnori leading the way, the future of Korean folk music is looking bright indeed.

South Korean Folk Music 101 – Conclusion

As you can see, there is a great deal of diversity in South Korean folk music. From the courtly sounds of the gayageum to the lively rhythms of the pansori, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of traditional music or looking for something new to explore, South Korean folk music is an excellent place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions about South Korean Folk Music

1) What is South Korean folk music?

South Korean folk music refers to the traditional music of Korea which includes a wide variety of genres and styles. The folk music of Korea includes a rich diversity of song types, instruments, dances, and other performing arts.

2) What are the origins of South Korean folk music?

The origins of South Korean folk music can be traced back to the ancient Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Joseon was a highly stratified society with a strict hierarchy based on Confucian principles. The Joseon rulers promoted the use of Korean music and dance as a way to maintain social order and instill values such as filial piety and loyalty to the state. In addition, many of the Joseon-era court musicians came from lower social backgrounds, which helped to create a more diverse musical tradition.

3) What are some of the most popular genres of South Korean folk music?

Some of the most popular genres of South Korean folk music include pansori (a form of traditional narrative singing), chimurenga (a style of drumming), jeongjae (a type of wind instrument), and sinawi (a type of instrumental ensemble music). Other popular genres include gagok (traditional vocal music), gut (string instrumental music), talchum (mask dance-drama), and turbopansori (a fast-paced form of pansori).

4) What are some of the most popular instruments used in South Korean folk music?

Some of the most commonly used instruments in South Korean folk music include the gayageum (zither), haegeum (two-stringed fiddle), daegeum (large bamboo flute), piri (oboe-like instrument made from bamboo), and saenghwang

Additional Resources on South Korean Folk Music

Here are some additional resources on South Korean folk music that you might find helpful:

-The National Folk Museum of Korea provides an overview of the various types of folk music found in Korea, as well as information on traditional instruments and performance styles.

-The Korean Traditional Music Association offers a brief history of Korean folk music, along with clips of traditional songs and dances.

-Korea.net offers a detailed look at the different genres of folk music in Korea, including information on the instruments used and the regions where each style is typically found.