National Gugak Center
The National Gugak Center, located in Seoul, South Korea, is the primary institution of learning for Korean traditional music, including both court music and folk music. It was founded in 1951 through a merger of Korean musical organizations.
It is dedicated to "preserving and promoting traditional Korean music." Through academic courses, private study, ensembles, research, and performances, it preserves Korea's ancient musical traditions, including the ancient court ritual music called aak as well as the ritual music performed for the Jongmyo and the Munmyo.
Historical musical organizations
While Korean court music dates back to the music institute of the Silla kingdom in the 7th century, the present is the direct successor to the Jangakwon music institution of the Joseon Dynasty. Jangakwon went through various name changes until 1945:- Jangakwon 장악원 掌樂院
- Gyobangsa 교방사 敎坊司
- Jangakgwa 장악과 掌樂課
- Yiwangjik Aakdae 이왕직아악대 李王職雅樂隊 , after the Japanese colonisation
- Yiwangjik Aakbu 이왕직아악부 李王職雅樂部
- Guwanggung Aakbu 구왕궁아악부 舊王宮雅樂部 under the US military government.