Korean culture has a deep love for music and dance, and these arts are appreciated in their traditions and festivals. Music in particular, is very popular in the region and visitors to Korea will be able to find a musical performance taking place at major auditoriums across the region, no matter when they visit. These performances are well attended by locals and expats alike.
The Korean people have a range of traditional dances and music forms that articulate their affinity for the performing arts. Traditional Korean music includes court music and folk music; both forms are known for their distinctive characteristics although they have many features that are similar to the music found in Japanese and Chinese cultures.
Court music is typically very slow, which gives it a pensive and peaceful feel. This kind of music is called the Chong-ak music and was created for the nobility and royalty in the country. The common people created the Sogak or folk music, which features Buddhist compositions, dramatic songs and folk songs. Today however, both forms of music are played all across the country and neither genre is restricted to a particular social class. In addition to these two main kinds of music, there is also a different song associated with every Korean festival, and a particular hymn for every ritual that takes place in the region.
Korean dance was traditionally divided into folk, court and religious dance, depending on who was allowed to watch the performance. Each kind of dance has a different rhythm associated with it; the court dances are slow and graceful, while folk dances are more upbeat and involve groups of dancers. The most popular Korean court dances are the fan dance and the drum dances.
Korean folk dances were based on the everyday life of the common man and the most popular of these dances being the farmer’s dance which is still performed in the villages. Apart from these dances, the Sungmu or monk dances, mask dances and the spirit cleaning dance or Salp’uri are also noteworthy. If this is your first visit to Korea, then the capital Seoul is your best option, with international airport access and an excellent choice of hotels and places to stay in all areas. The very central area of Kangnam is perhaps the best place to stay if you can and from here you can explore the city at your own leisure.
Paul lived in South Korea for 2 years teaching England and writes about South Korean travel and also Virginia Beach travel.
