Busan Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra, founded in 1984, covers not only Korean traditional music but Korean creative music for a new era. Composed of nearly 70 members, the orchestra has performed more than 120 subscription concerts and 1100 special concerts. Since 2003, it has held the Busan Traditional Orchestra Festival annually.
So, what is Korean traditional music? As Western civilization has its own genres of music and musical instruments, Korea has its own style and instruments. We Koreans call it Gugak (national music). Gugak can be classified into two groups, Jungak (true music) and Minsogak (traditional music). The term Jungak indicates music in official use or used by nobles. In short, it is court music. Minsogak, on the other hand, was for the common people. You may be reminded of folk music. Pansori, a long vocal and percussive musical form performed by one singer and one drummer, is famous among the kinds of Minsogak. It is expected that you will at least once hear about Pansori during your stay in Korea. By the way, Korean traditional music does not use the same musical scale as Western music, but uses another notation called Jungganbu. Also, our traditional instrument classification is interesting. It is divided into three groups: string, wind, and percussion instruments.
The other famous form of Korean traditional music, Samulnori, is a modern revision of a kind of Minsogak; Nongak (farmer’s music). Using only four instruments, the Buk, Janggu, Jing, and Kkwaenggwari, it reflects the emotions and culture of Koreans well. Among the numerous kinds of old and modern Korean traditional music, Samulnori serves as a good model for the internationalization of Korean traditional music.
The concert is scheduled to be held on Oct. 29 in the POSTECH auditorium. This concert is a part of the “POSTECH Cultural Program” provided to Culture Colloquium participants, but anyone interested can join. Prepare a small fee (a few thousand won) for admission.
