Korean Intangible Cultural Properties: Traditional Music and Dance [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Cultural Properties Administration (Compiler)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2001

Korea has long been abloom with its own unique culture and art, yet closely interrelated with those of neighboring countries in East Asia. Korea's cultural heritage, accumulated throughout its long history, is a mirror which reflects the nation's identity and serves to heighten its status in the world today. Through traditional music and dance, portraits of the spirits of artists not only endow us with substantial present benefits, but give us insights into the future. Traditional performing arts are certainly one of the prime movers of modern development. We of this generation therefore have good reason to pass them on to our children. Rapid industrialization has influenced this generation to put aside traditional music and dance. Some performing artists, however, have not been swayed by the times, but have kept on course with untiring zeal to save dwindling legacies. The government promotes diverse programs for the better preservation of Korea's cultural heritage and its transmission to the next generation. Koreans often say "You know something better when you have seen it, and feel differently about it." The Office of Cultural Properties hopes this book will be a good channel of communication with foreigners, leading them to better appreciate Korean culture and art.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Hollym International Corp.; illustrated edition edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565911504
• ISBN-13: 978-1565911505
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,273,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars unique book, July 23, 2008

By 

Ahjuma "grace1531" (Edison, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Korean Intangible Cultural Properties: Traditional Music and Dance (Hardcover)

This is an important walk through traditional Korean song and dance. I am so glad that this book has been compiled to preserve the history and background of these cultural treasures. I don't know of any other book that combines all this information on Korean music like Pansori (Narrative Solo Singing), Daechwita (Traditional Military Music), Hyangje Julpungnyu (Buddhist Ceremonial Music). Music from the different regions like Jeju Island, Northwest Region Gyeonggi Region are discussed too. There's also the Dance of Peace, the Crane and Lotus Flower Dance, the Monk dance and even Taekgyuen (Traditional Martial Art). I've seen some of these dances and songs performed, but knowing the history behind it makes the experience so much richer. Very interesting. Very unique.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Superficial, May 21, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Korean Intangible Cultural Properties: Traditional Music and Dance (Hardcover)

I've read many, even most of the books on Korean culture. This book could have been useful and interesting, but instead I found it to be superficial. Sure, some of the photos are good, but many terms are not defined. If you know a lot about Korean culture, you'll find it frustratingly sparse, if you know little you'll find it frustratingly full of words you're not familiar with that aren't adequately explained.