And now let's take a look at the arts and culture scene, and for that let's bring in
our Yim Yoonhee. Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
So what are we looking at today?
Today I have a series of performances that have been taking place at traditional palaces
around the capital city. These are very unique, because they provide
an opportunity for the younger generation to stay connected with Korea's traditional
culture and music. Take a look.
It's a step back in time, when the sound of Chunhyangga, the most popular of Pansori music,
would fill the air of Changdeokgung Palace. Although it's been years since the palace
corridors have been occupied by any royal families, the palace is now a UNESCO World
Heritage Site,... and is somewhere you can still find the beautiful sounds of traditional
Korean instruments. In the early morning hours, traditional court
music is played around the palace, just as it would have been played years ago, for the
royal family.
"This is very wonderful. It's very unique. We're not used to this kind of thing where
we're from"
"It's almost like we took a trip in a time machine, and the king is walking around the
halls, listening to this music. I feel like I used to live here long ago."
Since 2009, the performances at Changdeokgung Palace, along with other palaces around the
city, have been hosting Korean traditional performances and cultural events, providing
a unique opportunity for both foreigners and locals.
"Changdeokgung Palace is a place for healing and for hope,... these are the messages we
are preparing showing our appreciation for music."
Whether it be storytelling or a graceful Pansori performance,... it's a place where the past
becomes the present,... set on the beautiful backdrop of Korea's palaces,... the music
and songs of history and traditions continue to carry through the air.
What types of traditional Korean instruments are being performed?
There are many, many Korean traditional instruments, but some of the more common ones that you'll
see being used are the Gayageum or ajaeng, which are plucked string instruments.
But you also saw in the beginning of the report... Pansori, which is a form of Korean musical
storytelling, usually with one drummer and one singer.
It's very important to the culture of Korea, as it has been a way for stories to pass down
from generation to generation.
What about the other locations? Do they offer the same types of performances?
The Jongmyo Royal Shrine has performances of the Jongmyo Jeryeak which is a royal ancestral
Confucian memorial ceremony music. It's actually very hard to hear this music
performed, so this is a great opportunity to check it out.
But this particular performance includes commentary along with the song...
Right and that provides an opportunity for people to not only enjoy the music, but also
to learn about the culture and meaning behind the song as well.
This is something that's usually performed only once a year at the royal shrine.
The Jongmyo Jeryeak is also registered as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage,
so it's definitely worth your while. Thank you for that report.
Always a pleasure.