INTRODUCTION
South Korea is rich in musical
culture, and its music has its own flavor and style that shines through
the influences from China. Its traditional music is split into two major
categories called, chong-ak and sog-ak. Chong-ak means music for the Ruling
class, sog-ak means music for common society.
Chong-ak, or proper traditional
music was introduced during the Choson Dynasty. This music was enjoyed
the upper class, it was more structured and presented in places and in
concerts. It is considered to lack definite rhythmic patterns.
South Korea is traditionally
an agricultural nation, the life of the farmer has always had influence
on the musical history of the country. Folk music or farmer's music compared
to the traditional Korean music is usually faster and more lively.
The most interesting characteristic of farmers' music is its 12 different
rhythmic patterns called shipich'ae, which are led by a small gong called
a kkwaenggwari. These songs were sung in the fields in order to keep busy.
The instruments that are used
for traditional Korean music have been produced for centuries without change.
The Chwag (sitting Drum) and the Hyang P'iri ( tartar pipe) have been used
for over two thousand years. The Komungo (harp) and the Taegum (bamboo
flute) were devised during the three Kingdom period. Traditional or formal
music incorporated string instruments as well, one of which would be the
Zither. Ancient Korean music was intended to carry a message or a moral
as well as entertain. It is more important for the audience to gain pleasure
rather than to have the entertainer express his
personal creativity.
The excellence of Korean performers,
especially string players have recieved internatioal prise. After World
War II the performance of Western music was pursued. The capital of Korea,
Seoul, has two symphony orchestrs and several opera companies. Modern dance
and ballet are also performed. Popular nightclubs feature jazz and current
music comparable with any large metropolitan area worldwide.
South Korean art had many influences
from China and Japan. It tradtionally shared ideas, techniques and forms
from these countries. However, there are some differences that make the
South Korean artform all its own. The main difference is that it is less
complex and ornamented than Chinese art. It also has a softer appearance
than Japanese art.
The tradition of Korean
art began in the prehistoric era among the tribes that settled in North
Korea close to China. There they have found artiffacts of pottery that
illustrate Korean design. The driving force behind Korean art is nature,
which Korean artists have a great appreciation of. They admire the beauty
of raw materials, such as natural patterns of wood grains. This is why
most Korean pottery is so simple.
Though the history of Korean
art, pottery stretches back to the Neolithic Age and the rough "Black
Comb Pottery" produced by early tribes, the biggest part of Korean pottery
was the development of celadon, called Cheong-Ja in Korean, during Korea's
Koryo Dynasty.
The Koryo Dynasty, which
lasted from 918 to 1392 AD had a strong Buddhist influence. Buddhist temples
grew during the Koryo period, and with them grew a need for fine vases
and pottery that would be used during the many ritual ceremonies. In the
middle of the 10th century Korean artists, some who had been schooled in
China (again the Chinese influence plays a role in Korean culture), began
creating celadon, a type of Korean pottery. This potteryís design
was basically Chinese however, Korean glazes gave the pottery
a distinct blue- green color and the shapes of their pottery
are more natural and flowing. The beauty lies in the curve of the
form more than the materials The Korean use of these techniques were unique
to their history of pottery. The level of quality, work, and beauty
they showed in their work was much higher than that of other countries
and came to be admired by the Chinese for it's simple beauty.
The finest examples of celadon
were produced during the middle part of the 11th century by artists who
are still unknown today. With the Mongol Invasions, which started in 1231
AD
the culture began to decline, and along with it, the quality of the pottery
being produced. By the beginning of the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910) most
of the delicate manufacturing techniques for celadon had been lost.
SOUTH KOREAN CELADON POTTERY CONT.
Hand painted pictures on the pottery have
a meaning all their own...
A Hawk stands for Bravery and Fortitude
A Phoenix stands for Good Omens
A Turtle, Peach, and Pine stand for Long Life
and Good Health
A Duck and A butterfly stand for Love, Friendship,
Happiness, and Harmony
A Peony Blossom and a Peacock stand for Living
in Luxury
A Crane stands for Immortality
A Dragon stands for "All Mighty" (see to left)
These are only some of the many symbols used
by artists to express feelings and well wishes for others.
The avoidance of ectremes
is a main characteristic of traditional Korean art. Stright lines, sharp
angles, and overpowering colors are all not found in their art. It is usually
concidered to be very mellow and soft. They are always in harmony
with nature.
Pottery may not be the
only form of Korean Art, but it is the most prominent in their history.
Some other form are Buddhism paintings, Embroidery, Calligraphic works,
and Earthen wares. Today, pottery is still a very significant part of art,
however celadon has become less popular. Only a handful of dedicated people
still practice this artform.
Another poular form of
art was crafted by the common poeple. They would paint folk paintings
called minhwa or ìpeopleís paitingsî. These were often
humorus, made to illustrate the common people getting the best of the powerful
rulng class.
However, modern Korean art has been influenced
by wolrd trends. korean painters during this time experimented with styles
such as French Impressionism. During the Korean War, the development
of the arts decreased but the economic prosperity in South Korea that followed
the war created a demand for new, more stylish forms of paintings.
In Korean literature's past,
during the 700's (AD), poems were a very popular way to express one's feelings
and beliefs. In fact, the oldest written sources in Korean history date
back to the first century AD In their oldest scriptures, they used Chinese
characters. This proves that China has had major influences on South Korea
for a very long time. However, they were not like typical Western poetry.
Their poems were not ment to be read, but sung! Of these early forms of
expression, the most famous were composed by two Buddhist priests. Their
names were Wolmyong and Ch'ungdam. Their best works were made between 742
and 765 AD.
Early Korean literature
was written in Chinese. Although Korea had its own language
for thousamds of years, it did not develop a system of wrighting until
the fifteenth- century, during the Yi Dynasty under King Sejong. I was
then popular literature that was more widely read among everyday Koreans.
The development of Hanígul
also contributed to the development of literature inthe form of prose.
Korean literature in the form of prose began in the seventh-
century.
Some of the most well-
known sorces of Korean literature are the folk tales. These are past down
through families and there are many that are still told today. Others have
been written down so they will never be forgotten.
Music: http://www.culturekorea.com/korea/content/instrument_e.html
Art:
http://www.korean-arts.com/
Literature:
http://story.lg.co.kr:3000/english/index.isp
Online, available at:
http://essayonkorea.org/Facts/main.hhtm
http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~ykin/Korean_Poems.html
http://www.geocities.com/Heartlanf/Ranch/2065/lit.htm
http://www.interlog.com/~mmt/Literacy_book/DOCS/pt1.html
Book:
Korean Literature.Compton's
Encylopedia.1986 Edition
Periodic:
Korean Literature. Anonymous
author. August 15, 1997