Korea is rich in it cultural and artistic forms. There are various types of dance forms like folk dance, court dances and also group dances. The solo dance performance is quite a piece of art. The imlu is a type of dance that is further classified into munmu which is rather a civil form of dance and the military dance is the mumu There are native dances and others that have the Chinese influence. Contemporary styles are often depicted in each dance form.
The subject of painting is divided into earlier history of Korea and the Buddhist impression that comes from China. There is still a strong streak of traditional Korean formulas in all the paintings. Silk and paper paintings in mulberry are the traditional happenings where natural imprints like flowers, scenery and birds are the common motifs. The concept of calligraphy is also very evident in the styles.
Pottery and ceramics form the chief craft works from Korea. Fabric, wood and metal is mainly used though there are works in paper and glass too. Black and red pottery is typical of Korean form. Broze and copper is also formed in ornamental carvings. The interiros of most homes are decorated with this type of furniture aesthetics. With so much of cultural happpening depicting the picture of art music and songs form the main culutral influence.
Koreans are great loves of art and music. Songs exist in tradtional and slowly modern trends are also emerging. The spring fesitval or Dano and the harvest celebration known as Chuseok are filled with song and dance rituals. The Daeboreum or the very first full moon is another main festival. The lunar calendar is religiously followed and this allows a lot of festivity and naturally a lot of songs from folklore and traditional music. Bamboo forms the wind instrument.
It is amazing as to how a solo performance at pansori can stretch to more than seven hours without a break. The songs have minimal breaks or none at all. The music and song is not fast paced and picks a tempo starting at a very slow rate. The beginning is slow pitched and this is typical of Korean song. Jeongak is related to affluent taste and has a very slow pace. The music is more exhilarating for the mind and not adrenalin rushing which is a concept of the West. Jeongak is spiritual and does not have any hard beats as the instruments are also string based and amazingly done with silken threads. Court music is a different style altogether.
Music, songs and dance alongwith various art forms with engraving, painting and calligraphy is the main treasure of the culture of Korea.