Jeong-Ak: Music of the Korean Court
This lesson will open your ears to Jeong-ak, music of the royal court in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted for over 500 years, from 1392 to 1910. Many generations of a single royal family—the Yi family—ruled the land for all that time. In fact, Korea was a remarkably stable political state. There were only three dynasties from the first unification of the country until 1910.
There are multiple types of court music; each is performed in different settings. You will learn about three important instruments––the pyeon-gyeong, eo, and chuk, which are a part of the ritual Jongmyo jerye-ak that honors the former kings. Jongmyo jerye-ak also features a dance known as ilmu. Ilmu is a line dance with no steps forward, back, or to the side (it is danced in place!).
In this lesson, you will also learn about traditional Korean manners and learn to properly bow to the King. You will even have a chance to learn and perform the ilmu dance!
Lesson Paths & Learning Objectives
-
- Identify where Korea and Seoul are on a map and understand the basics of geomancy.
- Explain the basics of Korean Confucianism through learning Korean mannerisms.
- 15–20 minutes
-
- Aurally identify three jeong-ak instruments: pyeon-gyeong, eo, and chuk.
- Explain the purpose of the Jongmyo jerye-ak ritual.
- 15–20 minutes
-
- Perform the ilmu dance and then create your own dance choreography to accompany a-ak music.
- 15–20 minutes