Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 199

Korean Traditional Music
Dong Suk Kim, Professor of Ethnomusicology, UCLA
To know and understand a culture’s music can often be a shortcut to understanding the people of
that culture. Asian culture is rich in musical traditions, yet the people of Korea have fostered an
exceptional interest and passion for music and dance. In fact, the traditions of Korean music
have often served as a spiritual and socio-political release for the people throughout its history.
Although it is impossible to fully understand the entire scope of Korean music in a short
afternoon session, a better understanding of Korean culture can be attained by even a brief
inspection of its musical arts. And as we strive toward a more global under