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There are 7 modules in this course
This course introduces Korean philosophy projected into the subject of Korean music, especially K-POP, which is drawing global attention today. We confirm that Korea's unique philosophy was the basis for maintaining originality while being universally accepted by many people, and seek the role of philosophy for the continuous development and spread of Korean music.
In this week, students will explore the rich and diverse world of Korean music, encompassing both contemporary K-pop and traditional Korean music, known as Gukak. They will gain an appreciation for the connections and continuity between these seemingly disparate genres, recognizing how elements of traditional Korean music influence and inform the contemporary K-pop sound.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 68 minutes
Welcoming Korean Music Lovers and Musical Thinkers•6 minutes
What is Korean Music? K-pop or Gugak?•10 minutes
What is "Korean" in Korean Music?•15 minutes
[+] Is Gukak a pentatonic scale?•13 minutes
[+] Can you distinguish Korean music from other Asian music? (Hard)•6 minutes
[+] Can you distinguish Korean music from other Asian music? (Easy)•4 minutes
Korean Music as Living Tradition•8 minutes
[+] Living Tradition and Cultural Boundaries: A Dynamic Intersection•7 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Reading materials for week 1•10 minutes
Link to the video featured in the sub-video•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
What have you learned this week? •20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Self-Introduction•10 minutes
Evolving Identity of Korean Music
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this week, students will explore the concept of the "Korean Matrix" and how this course defines cultural boundaries, shedding light on the factors that shape and define Korean culture. Additionally, students will gain insights into the open-mindedness of Koreans towards embracing musical influences from various regions, including India, the Middle East, and China.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 59 minutes
Korean Matrix and Cultural Boundaries•13 minutes
[+] Inner and Outer Cultural Boundaries in a Global•5 minutes
Origins of Korean Music: Loose Cultural Boundaries•9 minutes
Korean and Chinese Music: Within and Outside Cultural Boundaries•8 minutes
Globalization of Korean Music Towards Dissolved Borders•13 minutes
[+] Exploring other genres: Jeongak and Minsogak•12 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Reading materials for week 2•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
What have you learned this week? •20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Let’s think of 'Cultural Boundaries’ in your culture! •10 minutes
Korean Music Viewed through Cultural Boundaries
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this week, students will discover how Koreans have historically embraced foreign musical influences through the Taepyeongso, showcasing their openness to external ideas and sounds. will introduce students to ancient indigenous Korean instruments, specifically the Geomungo and Gayageum, highlighting their unique cultural significance and contributions to Korean music. Lastly, this week will explore the intriguing paradox of Korean culture, where they have demonstrated an acceptance of foreign ideas and music while preserving their own rich traditions.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 57 minutes
Acceptance of Foreign Music and Koreanization•15 minutes
Long-lived Korean Musical Instruments: Gayageum & Geomungo•16 minutes
[+] Taepyeongso and Hyangpiri•8 minutes
Openness to the Foreign, Uninterrupted Creativity•13 minutes
[+] Another Example of K-pop with Korean thought•5 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Reading materials for week 3•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
What have you learned this week? •20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Let's talk about another instance of 'Openness to the Foreign'•10 minutes
Korean Music and Emotions
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this week, students will engage with Korean emotions like Han which can be felt through the famous song Arirang and Heung which can be heard in songs like Ong-Heya. Students will learn that Han and Heung are both complementing and contrasting emotions which reflects a unique feature of Korean emotionality.
Music of Conflicting Emotions: Puri, Han and Heung•8 minutes
[+] Differences between Descriptions of Korean and Western Emotions•3 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
New Reading•10 minutes
Reading materials for week 2•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
What have you learned this week? •20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Let's talk about the complex emotions we've experienced and the music that has helped us cope with those emotions.•10 minutes
Korean Music and Morality
Module 5•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this week, students will first be introduced to Confucian ritual music and court music, gaining insight into the traditional ceremonial and royal musical practices of Korea.Furthermore, this week will delve into various theories, most notably Mencius’s music theory that explores the intricate relationship between music and morality, shedding light on how music can influence ethical values and behaviors.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 73 minutes
Ritual Music for Confucian Shrine and Joseon Royal Shrine•15 minutes
Korean characteristics of Jongmyo Jeryeak•8 minutes
[+] Orchestra used in Ritual Music•15 minutes
Confucian Musical Ideal and Chinese Ritual Music•6 minutes
Actualization of Confucian Ideals through Ritual Music•7 minutes
Musical Innovations in Korean Ritual Music•9 minutes
Morality and Musicality in Korean Ritual Music•10 minutes
[+] What is Morality in Music?•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
What have you learned this week? •20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Let's share our thoughts on whether music can indeed influence ethical values and behavior•10 minutes
Korean Music and Language
Module 6•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this week, students will learn about Jeonganbo – Korea's unique musical notation system. Learners will also understand more about the Koreanness in Korean music and the connection between folk music and the Korean language. Additionally, students will be exposed to concepts such as Jangdan and how Daoist music theory might explain Korean musical innovation.
What's included
8 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 83 minutes
Korean Tempo-Space Notation, Jeongganbo•17 minutes
Learning to read Jeongganbo•8 minutes
[+] What is the Jangdan of Korean music?•12 minutes
Jeongganbo for Composing and Recording Korean Songs•12 minutes
"Koreanness" of Korean Music and Language•8 minutes
Korean Folk Music Born from Korean Language•9 minutes
Korean Music Taste: Folk Music and K-pop•9 minutes
[+] Can We Explain Korean Musical Innovation with Daoist Music Theory?•9 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
What have you learned this week? •10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
What have you learned this week? •20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Let's explore the intricate connection between Korean music and language. •10 minutes
Let's Talk about Korean Music and Philosophy
Module 7•2 hours to complete
Module details
This week is a round table with the lecturers and the student research assistants who helped develop this course. In this conversation the students will ask questions about topics ranging from Korean emotions, different models of history, to additional explanation about Jeonganbo (Korean music notation). This conversation serves to both summarize and dig deeper into the contents of the course previously covered.
What's included
1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 35 minutes
Let's Talk about Korean Music and Philosophy•35 minutes
1 assignment•Total 50 minutes
[Final test]What have you learned this course? •50 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Reflections on the Journey: Exploring Korean Music and Philosophy•10 minutes
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Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) was established in 1398 as the highest national educational institute in the early years of Joseon Dynasty in Korea. At present with the support of the world-renowned global company Samsung, SKKU is leading the development of higher education in Korea. SKKU actively encourages international collaboration through developing cutting-edge research and educational programs with its global partners.
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J
JB
5·
Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025
Great course if you're interested in Korean culture and diving into origins of how Korean's "think". Elements of K-drama's and K-pop songs can be traced through the history and music of Korea.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.