Where to Find Korean Folk Songs Sheet Music

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for Korean folk songs sheet music? Here are some great resources to help you find the music you need.

Introduction

Korean folk songs, also called minyo, resemble Western folk songs in that they are mostly transmitted orally and deal with the lives of common people. They usually tell of love, loss, work, play, and other aspects of daily life. Many Korean folk songs are sad in tone, reflecting the hardships faced by the Korean people throughout history.

Although minyo are typically sung a cappella, some use traditional Korean instruments such as the gayageum (12-string zither), haegum (two-string fiddle), piri (oboe-like instrument), and janggu (hourglass-shaped drum).

Nowadays, it is not difficult to find sheet music for Korean folk songs. Below are some sources for minyo sheet music:

The Korea Creative Content Agency’s website offers a variety of minyo sheet music for download:
http://www.koreacontent.org/folk_song.jsp?menucode=0402&selectcode=04#

The University of Pittsburgh’s Korean music website also has a selection of folk songs available for download:
http://www.pitt.edu/~wojtykdm/songs2.html

Minyo Station is a website that offers a wide variety of both traditional and modernized versions of Korean folk songs:
http://www.minyostation.com/minyo/index_eng.html

Traditional Korean Folk Songs

If you are interested in learning to play traditional Korean folk songs on the piano, you might be wondering where to find sheet music for these songs. While Korean music stores may carry some traditional folk songs, you will likely have the best luck finding what you are looking for by searching online. In this article, we will provide some tips on where to find Korean folk songs sheet music.

“Arirang”

“Arirang” is a Korean folk song that is traditionally sung by two people, with one person singing the refrain while the other sings the verses. The song is about a young man who is separated from his love and must leave her behind, but he promises to return to her.

There are many different versions of “Arirang,” and the melody and lyrics can vary depending on region. “Arirang” is also sometimes adapted to other folk songs from other countries, such as “I Will Always Love You” from the United States.

The sheet music for “Arirang” can be found in many different places, including online stores and forum websites devoted to Korean music. You can also find sheet music for “Arirang” at some traditional Korean music stores.

“Gochumon”

“Gochumon” is a type of Korean folk song that was once very popular. It is sung in a minor key and has a slow, melancholy feel to it. The lyrics are often about lost love or unrequited love.

“Barame”

“Barame” is a traditional Korean folk song that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. The song is about a young woman’s love for a soldier who is away at war. “Barame” is considered to be one of the most popular folk songs in Korea, and it has been covered by many different artists over the years.

If you’re interested in learning how to play “Barame,” there are a few different places you can find sheet music for the song. One option is to search for the sheet music online. You can also check with your local music store or library, as they may have some sheet music for “Barame” on hand. Finally, if you know someone who plays the song, you could ask them for a copy of their sheet music.

Contemporary Korean Folk Songs

Folk songs are an important part of the Korean musical tradition. Many of these songs are centuries old, and were originally passed down orally from generation to generation. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in folk songs, and many contemporary musicians are creating new arrangements of these traditional songs. If you’re interested in learning to play Korean folk songs, you can find sheet music for a variety of these songs online.

“Nanoomi”

“Nanoomi” is a contemporary Korean folk song that has become popular in recent years. The song is about a young woman’s love for her homeland, and the lyrics are written in a very poetic and evocative style. If you’re looking for Korean folk songs sheet music, “Nanoomi” is a great choice. The melody is beautiful and catchy, and the lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone who loves Korea. You can find “Nanoomi” sheet music at most music stores or online retailers that sell Korean music.

“Ganggangsullae”

“Ganggangsullae” is a contemporary Korean folk song thatoriginated from the Joseon Dynasty. The song is about a group of women who gather together to wash their clothes in a river, and it is often performed by female vocalists. The lyrics are written in a mix of Korean and Chinese, and the melody is primarily in the key of C major.

If you’re interested in learning how to play “Ganggangsullae” on the piano, you can find sheet music for the song online. There are also several YouTube videos that can help you get started with learning the melody and chords.

“Borame”

“Borame” is a type of Korean folk song that originates from the Jeju Island. It is a slow and sentimental song that is typically played on the gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument. The lyrics of “Borame” often deal with themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.

If you’re interested in learning how to play “Borame” on the gayageum, there are a few different places you can find sheet music for the song. One option is to search for it online – there are a number of websites that offer free or paid versions of “Borame” sheet music. Alternatively, you can purchase a book of Korean folk songs that contains the sheet music for “Borame” (and other folk songs). These books are often available at music stores or online retailers specializing in Korean music.

Where to Find Korean Folk Songs Sheet Music

Korea is a country with a rich musical heritage. Traditional Korean music is divided into two main types: court music and folk music. Folk songs are the songs of the people and are sung in dialects from all over the country. They often reflect the daily lives and experiences of the people, and are usually passed down from generation to generation. You can find sheet music for Korean folk songs online and in music stores.

Online

There are a few online sources where you can find sheet music for Korean folk songs. The first is the website of the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, which has a downloadable PDF of traditional folk songs. The second is the website for Yonsei University’s Institute for Traditional Korean Music, which also has a downloadable PDF of folk songs. Finally, the website for the Korea Creative Content Agency has a searchable database of Korean traditional music, which includes sheet music for some folk songs.

In Person

If you want to find Korean folk songs sheet music in person, your best bet is to visit a music store that specializes in Korean music. These types of stores are likely to have a good selection of sheet music for a variety of Korean folk songs. You can also try visiting a general music store, but you may have more luck at a store that specializes in Korean music.

Another option is to visit a Korean market or department store. These stores typically sell a variety of Korean products, including music. You may be able to find sheet music for Korean folk songs at one of these stores.

Finally, you can try asking people who play Korean instruments if they know where you can find sheet music for Korean folk songs. If you know anyone who plays the gayageum (a traditional Korean zither), haegeum (a traditional two-string fiddle), or daegeum (a large transverse flute), they may be able to help you find what you’re looking for.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has been helpful in pointing you in the right direction for finding Korean folk songs sheet music. While it can be challending to track down music for specific songs, with a little patience and perseverance, you should be able to find what you’re looking for.

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