Korean Folk Music: Origins and Influences

Korean folk music is a genre that is rich in history and tradition. Influences from China, Mongolia, and the Ryukyu Islands can be heard in this type of music, which is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the gayageum and the piri.

Introduction

Korean folk music is the traditional music of Korea. It includes a wide variety of genres and styles, varying from region to region. Traditional Korean folk music is often divided into two broad categories: court music, or sinawi, and folk music, or minyo. Court music refers to the music of the various Korean dynasties and their courts, while folk music includes the music of the common people.

Korean folk music has its roots in shamanistic rituals and traditions. Shamanism is a central part of Korean folklore and influenced the development of many aspects of Korean culture, including music. Shamanistic rituals often involved drumming and dancing, which led to the development of certain musical instruments and styles. For example, the gut-string Gayageum zither was used in shamanistic rituals and eventually became a popular instrument in court music.

Traditional Korean folk songs often tell stories or express emotions. The songs are usually sung in a mixolydian mode, which gives them a plaintive sound. Many folk songs are accompanied by dance, which often tells the story of the song or expresses its emotion through movement. Folk dances are usually performed by women, who wear brightly colored clothing and use fans or cinctures as props.

Korean folk music has been influenced by a variety of factors over the centuries, including foreign invasions and cultural exchange. For example, during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598), many Koreans fled to China, where they were exposed to Chinese musical traditions. These traditions had a significant impact on Korean court music, which began to incorporate elements of ChineseMusic during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). More recently, American pop and rock Music has become increasingly popular in South Korea, resulting in the development of new genres such as K-pop (Korean pop Music) and trot (a type of Korean dance Music).

The Origins of Korean Folk Music

Korean folk music has been passed down from generation to generation orally. The first records of Korean folk music date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Korean folk music has been influenced by the music of other cultures, such as China and Mongolia. In the past, Korean folk music was used for shamanistic rituals and ceremonial events.

Shamanistic Rituals and Folk Songs

Korean folk music has its roots in the shamanistic rituals of the Korean people. These rituals were used to worship the gods and to ask for their protection and blessings. The folk songs that were sung during these rituals were often passed down from generation to generation, and they eventually became an integral part of Korean culture.

Many of the folk songs that are popular in Korea today are based on these ancient shamanistic rituals. Some of the most famous Korean folk songs include “Arirang” and “Soran Bushi.” These songs are still sung by many Koreans today, and they remain an important part of Korean culture.

Court Music and Folk Songs

The first recorded instance of Korean music is from a 3rd century Chinese text called the Classic of Poetry. The music was court music used for ritual and ceremonial purposes, and it was accompanied by instruments such as zithers, flutes, percussion, and trumpets. As time went on, folk songs began to develop and become more popular. These folk songs were often about love, labor, or the land. The influence of Chinese music can be heard in Korean folk songs, as they often use pentatonic scales (a five-note scale).

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Confucianism became the dominant ideology in Korea. This had a profound effect on Korean music, as Confucian values placed a great emphasis on order and harmonious relationships. Court music became more austere and formalized during this time, and instruments were used to symbolize different aspects of Confucianism. For example, the geomungo (a six-stringed zither) represented heaven, while the piri (a double-reed instrument) represented earth.

The Joseon Dynasty came to an end in 1910 with the annexation of Korea by Japan. This marks a major shift in the history of Korean music, as Japanese colonial rule lasted for 35 years. During this time, traditional Korean music was suppressed in favor of Western music. However, there was a strong resistance to this suppression, and many Koreans continued to practice their traditional musical traditions in secret.

The Influences of Korean Folk Music

Korean folk music has been shaped by a number of factors over the years. The first and most obvious influence is the geography of Korea. Located on a peninsula, Korea has been influenced by the music of its neighboring countries China and Japan. Additionally, the Joseon dynasty had a strong influence on the music of Korea.

Chinese Influences

During the Goryeo period, Korean music was influenced by Chinese music. Ways in which Chinese music was incorporated into Korean music includes the use of new instruments from China, such as the zither-like gayageum and pipa, as well as using Chinese scales and musical theory. In addition, Goryeo court musicians were required to be well-versed in Chinese literature and philosophy, specifically Confucianism.

Western Influences

Korean folk music has been influenced by a variety of other music cultures throughout its history. Perhaps the most significant of these influences came from the West, particularly during Korea’s period of Japanese occupation (1910-1945). During this time, many Western musical instruments and styles were introduced to Korea and quickly assimilated into traditional Korean music.

For instance, the piano, saxophone, and guitar became popular instruments in Korean music, while jazz and blues styles began to influence the melodies and rhythms of traditional Korean songs. These Western influences can still be heard in modern Korean folk music, which often includes elements of jazz, rock, and other Western genres.

Conclusion

Korean folk music is full of life and has helped to shape the country’s modern pop culture. It is a genre that is enjoyed by people of all ages, and its popularity looks set to continue for many years to come. If you want to learn more about Korean folk music, or if you simply enjoy listening to it, then we urge you to explore the websites and resources listed in this article.