tŏnŭm

T\u014fn\u016dm, or Korean music, is an art form that combines vocal or instrumental sounds for emotional expression, originating in Korea. It has been influenced by Chinese and Mongol traditions but retains a strong indigenous core.1

Key aspects of Korean music include:

• Shaman Music: Early references point to singing and dancing in agricultural festivals. Shamanism, involving communication with the spirit world, is a significant tradition accompanied by instruments like the changgo drum and various flutes and gongs.1
• Court Music: Influenced by Chinese court music, Korean court traditions also preserve ancient indigenous styles. Instruments like the ajaeng (bowed zither), chi flute, and p\u2019iri (double-reed instrument) are unique to Korea.1
• Vocal Music: Forms like kagok (solo songs) and sijo (lyric poetry) are part of court music. The prominent folk genre is p\u2019ansori, a narrative song performed by a vocalist and a drummer, often in traditional market settings.12

Korean music is characterized by its unique rhythms, polyphony, and distinctive instrumental timbres, often described as having a jazz-like quality.1