Gugak, the abbreviated word for "Korean music," actually refers to Korean traditional music embodying the uniqueness and customs of the Korean people. According to records, the word gugak was first used in the Jangagwon (royal music conservatory) during King Gojong's reign in order to distinguish Korea's indigenous music from those incoming from foreign lands.

Gugak now includes traditional music from ancient times to newly composed music using traditional techniques written after the 1940s. Most gugak performances incorporate the use of traditional Korean instruments although recently there are instances of western instruments being used to play Korean traditional music.

The tones played within Korean traditional music are called yulmyeong. Court music is recorded in traditional sheet music form, the jeongganbo, by inscribing each tone with corresponding squares to express the duration of each note. Sanjo music and contemporary music are written in the western staff notation form. Traditionally, Korean music uses a three or seven tone musical scale, different from their five tone western counterparts.

From a musical perspective, gugak's characteristic can be said to be its focus on melody rather than chords. Each instrument produces a unique decorative tone and even the same tones can be modified with vibrations or changes in directions. As such, the possible stylistic combinations are endless and lend a hand in expanding the breadth of Korean music. Jangdan, or rhythm, is another distinctive characteristic of gugak. The beat usually starts out slow but gradually increases, and this leads to a noticeable change in the music itself.

There are a total of over sixty types of Korean traditional instruments such as the gayageum, geomungo, piri, daegeum, and haegeum. Instruments are chosen based on the musical piece.

Generally, gugak refers to both music and dance. Traditional music is classified into court, folk, and newly composed music. Traditional dance is divided into court or folk dances.

Jeongak, meaning "proper music," holds a philosophical viewpoint that this music helps one control emotions and clears the mind. Music played within the walls of the royal court and pungnyu music, once enjoyed by the nobility during the Joseon dynasty, are both considered jeongak. This music is joyful without excess, sorrowful but not bitter ? characteristic of its restraint.

On the other hand, folk music has provided much amusement to the ordinary masses outside of the palace walls. Folk music maximizes the expression of emotions and honestly portrays happiness, anger, grief and pleasure. Sanjo and pansori, representative of folk music, fully showcases the musical talents of each solo performance.

Newly composed music refers to modern music which makes use of traditional techniques and instruments. Arrangements including both traditional and western instruments can also be included in this category.

Traditional dance can also be classified into court and folk dance. Court dances were presented to the king elegantly and wearing splendid court costumes. Dancers also took the role of singer, often lauding the king of his accomplishments. Folk dances such as salpuri are performed in harmony with the diverse changes in rhythm to maximize the expression of emotions. Buchaechum (fan dance), another type of folk dance, was composed after the 1950s and is considered a newly composed dance.

Gugak is an important genre representing Korea as well as music which embodies the traditions of the Korean people. It is a cultural symbol that will lead the way into the 21st century.