Evolution of Korean music education: From ritual music to Gugak

Abstract

Confucian ritual music was reconstructed and rejuvenated during the reign of King Sejong of Joseon (r. 1418-1450), but this represented an adventurous reinterpretation of Confucian values, not a mere restoration of the original music. The successful reconstruction was a result of an awareness of Korea's own culture as distinct from the Chinese cultural mainstream. Because of the cultural and linguistic differences between China and Korea, Joseon Korea did not uncritically assimilate the mainstream culture. These differences motivated King Sejong to develop a new notation system for Korean indigenous tunes and bring newly composed ritual music to the court. The awareness of their own musical culture turned out to be the best way to embody the ideal of Confucian music education, cultivating musical sensibility and the enjoyment with all people. A similar movement occurred again during the Westernization period in early modern Korea and continues today in contemporary music education. © Oxford University Press 2024. All rights reserved.