Korean Classical Music: A Brief History

Discover the origins of Korean classical music and how it has evolved over the centuries to become the beautiful art form it is today.

Ancient Times

Korean classical music can be traced back to ancient times, when it was used in shamanistic rituals and court music. Korea has a rich musical tradition, and Korean classical music is some of the oldest in the world. In the past, Korean classical music was only performed by members of the aristocracy, but today it is enjoyed by people of all social classes.

Three Kingdoms period

The Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD) was the first time in Korean history that classical music was codified and recorded. It was also during this period that Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism became major influences in Korean culture. Ancient Korean instruments such as the piri (a double-reed oboe), saenghwang (a mouth organ), and changgo (an hourglass-shaped drum) were used to play court music and folk songs.

One of the most famous pieces of Three Kingdoms music is “Jeongganbo,” which was composed for a royal procession. It is said to be the world’s oldest surviving piece of orchestral music.

During the Unified Silla period (668-935), Confucianism became the dominant philosophy, and music became an important part of Confucian rituals. Court music and folk music continued to be popular, and new instruments were introduced from China, such as the geomungo (a six-string zither) and gayageum (a twelve-string zither).

One of the most famous Unified Silla era pieces of music is “Munmyo Jeryeak,” which was composed to be played at the Munmyo Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Confucius.

The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) saw a decline in the popularity of court music, but an increase in the popularity of Buddhist ceremonial music and shamanistic ritual music. New instruments were introduced from China, including the yanggum (a seven-string zither) and haegeum (a two-string fiddle).

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Confucianism once again became the dominant ideology, and court music regained its prominence. Shamanistic ritual music and Buddhist ceremonial music continued to be popular, as well. The Joseon era saw the development of southern style court music, which used a different tuning system than northern style court music. Southern style court music eventually became more popular than northern style court music, and it is still performed today.

Unified Silla period

The Unified Silla period (668-935) saw the restoration of native rule to the Korean peninsula after centuries of occupation by foreign powers. One of the most significant events in this period was the return of Buddhist monks from China in 686, who brought with them many Chinese cultural practices, including music.

During the Unified Silla period, a new form of court music known as p’ansori began to develop. This music was performed by a solo singer accompanied by a single drum, and it told stories that were often epic in scope. P’ansori remained a popular form of entertainment throughout the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), and it is still performed today.

One of the most important aspects of Korean music is its use of three distinct pitches, known as eh (high), myeong (middle), and joong (low). These pitches are thought to have originally been based on the cries of animals, and they are still used in many traditional songs and dances.

The Unified Silla period also saw the development of a unique form of Buddhist music known as gayageum sanjo. This music was performed on a 12-string instrument called a gayageum, and it featured complex improvisation. Gayageum sanjo remains popular today, and it has influenced many other genres of Korean music.

Goryeo Dynasty

The Goryeo Dynasty lasted from 918 to 1392 and was founded by Wang Geon. This dynasty was known for its great achievements in the arts, literature, and music. One of the most famous pieces of music from this era is the “Songhwa” (“Song of the Crane”).

Goryeo’s golden age

Often called Korea’s “golden age,” the Goryeo period was marked by great economic, social, and cultural prosperity. One of the most significant achievements of the dynasty was the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, which greatly facilitated the spread of learning and culture. With the newly invented printing press, a number of books were published, including Korea’s first encyclopedia. Scholars during this time also made great advances in science and technology, notably in astronomy and medicine.

It was also during the Goryeo period that Korean classical music reached its peak. A number of new musical instruments were developed, including the gayageum (a 12-string zither) and the piri (a double-reed wind instrument). The music itself became more complex and refined, with a greater emphasis on melody and emotion. Many of Korea’s most famous musical pieces were composed during this time, including “Pungmungyo” and “Heungbogeumryong.”

Joseon Dynasty

The Joseon Dynasty was a Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for over 500 years. It was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and was replaced by the Korean Empire in October 1897. Korean classical music flourished during this time and many of the traditional instruments and styles we know today were developed during the Joseon Dynasty.

Joseon’s golden age

From the sixteenth century onwards, the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) enjoyed a period of unprecedented cultural prosperity. In fact, the era is so renowned for its artistic achievements that it is sometimes referred to as Korea’s “golden age.” Korea’s classical musical tradition reached its zenith during this time, and many of the genre’s most important texts and treatises were composed during the Joseon dynasty.

Modern Times

The first part of the 20th century was a time of crisis for Korea. Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945), World War II, and the Korean War (1950-1953) brought great changes and upheaval to the Korean Peninsula. The arts, including music, were not spared. In this section, we will take a look at how classical music in Korea changed during this tumultuous time.

20th century

During the first half of the 20th century, Korean classical music underwent a radical transformation. In 1903, Emperor Gojong declared the end of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and in 1910, Korea was annexed by Japan. These political changes had a profound effect on music in Korea. Traditional court music and folk music were outlawed, and Western classical music was introduced in an effort to homogenize Korean culture with that of the colonizers. Many musicians were trained in Western music and went on to form symphonies and opera companies.

During this time, a new form of Korean classical music began to emerge, blending traditional Korean instruments with Western classical sensibilities. This new style came to be known as “modern” or “contemporary” gayageum music. composers such as Yi Heung-gil, Lee Hye-gyeong, and Kim Se-joong wrote gayageum works that incorporated Western harmonies and forms while still maintaining a distinctly Korean character.

In 1945, at the end of World War II, Korea was liberated from Japanese rule. The following years saw a resurgence of traditional Korean music, as many composers began to look back to their roots for inspiration. The modern gayageum style continued to develop in the hands of talented performers and composers such as Park Tong-sun, Yun I-sang, Nam In-suk, and Choi Won-shik.

Today, gayageum music is performed by orchestras and ensembles all over Korea, and its influence can be heard in the work of contemporary Korean composers such as Unsuk Chin and Isang Yun.

21st century

In the 21st century, Korean classical music is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, both in Korea and internationally. More and more people are discovering the beauty and richness of traditional Korean music, and many young musicians are choosing to study it.

The future of Korean classical music looks bright, as more and more people appreciate its unique sound and cultural significance.