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Music and Dance in South Korea forms an integral part of the Culture of South Korea. They are the best forms of expression of the country men. Right from the years that have gone to the present the Koreans have articulated their love for performing arts in many ways from folk songs and dances to contemporary music, Korea is surely a musical country. Music in South Korea Traditional Korean Music was known for some of its distinctive characteristics and has even acted as an inspiration of Chinese and Japanese tunes in those times. However with the passage of time Korean Music itself became influenced by Central Asian music and Western-style music. Some of the traits attributed to Music of South Korea are its slow tempo, giving it a very peaceful and pensive character. Music of this kind in South Korea is referred to as Chong-ak music, meant mostly for the noble classes. Where as the 'sogak' genre of music was meant for the general people. It consists of spiritualist and Buddhist compositions, folk songs and dramatic songs. Sogak music is generally more vibrant and energetic. Apart from this there they have a song for every festival and a hymn to accompany every ritual. However Modern Korean Music also includes contributions from the west, which is quite popular among the younger generations. Thus the varied selection of Music in South Korea fits every taste and satisfies all ears. Dance in South Korea Dancing in South Korea in the earlier times was restricted to performances in religious ceremonies only, which gradually took became wider and Korea now boasts of many forms of dances. Traditional Korean Dance may be divided into court dance, folk dance, ceremonial dances and the dances meant for amusement. Each have their own distinctive feature, for example Court dances are graceful and leisurely, while folk dances are peppy and are generally performed in groups. Other common Dance Forms of South Korea include mask dances, Sungmu which is the monk dance and Salp'uri which is the Spirit-Cleansing Dance.
Music and Dance in South Korea has gone through maximum changes after the Korean War. During this time innovation and creativity became the motto of music and dance in South Korea, but keeping in mind the traditional pieces. Needless to say that Korean Music and Dance is not just meaningful but is very entertaining as well.
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