jeongak

Jeongak, also written as jeong-ak, is the traditional Korean court and ritual music that forms a refined part of Korea’s gugak. It encompasses ceremonial pieces performed in royal courts and during Confucian rites, characterized by restrained tempo, precise tuning, and a formal, ceremonial mood. The repertoire and performance practices are tied to the ritual calendar and state ceremonies, making jeongak distinct from more social or popular musical genres.

Historically, jeongak developed from earlier Korean court music and was expanded and systematized during the Goryeo and especially the Joseon dynasties under royal patronage. It absorbed elements from Chinese ritual music while maintaining a distinct Korean sensibility. Core contexts for jeongak include rites at the royal palace and Jongmyo, Korea’s royal ancestral shrine, as well as other state ceremonies and ceremonial banquets.

Musically, jeongak emphasizes balance, clarity, and formal architecture. Pieces are designed for ceremonial settings and are usually performed by specialized court ensembles that use instruments suited to solemn occasions. The structure often relies on prescribed melodies and choreographed sequences, with music serving to accompany ritual actions and preserve a sense of order and propriety.

In contemporary Korea, jeongak remains a subject of scholarly study and is performed by professional ensembles and cultural institutions. It is preserved through education, archival notation, and live performances at concerts, festivals, and official events, contributing to the ongoing understanding and transmission of traditional Korean court aesthetics.