In the old days, there were places called pungryubang (풍류방), where music lovers gathered to sing songs and play instruments. The performances here were somewhat like an extended form of karaoke, or a Korean version of chamber music concerts. These small performances were generally held in a wealthy gentleman’s house, and the repertoire consisted of not only one or two pieces, but a series of songs. Songs were sung alternately by male and female singers, but “Taepyeongga (태평가)”, or the song of peace and prosperity, was usually performed as a duet for the concert’s finale. “Taepyeongga” was the only Korean traditional song performed together by both male and female singers. The song is about the great Chinese emperors who enjoyed peaceful and thriving reigns. The lyrics describe the Korean people’s hope of enjoying the same peace and prosperity that their ancestors did.

It’s a peaceful reign whichever way you look.
It’s the days of Emperor Yao and the world of Emperor Shun.
We are also having a peaceful time, so we’re going to have a good time.
Music 1: Taepyeongga/ Sung by Kim Wol-ha and Kim Ho-sung
You just listened to “Taepyeongga”, performed by Kim Wol-ha and Kim Ho-sung. Although the song’s prelude is a quiet one, the singers start out in loud and high notes. You can say that this unexpectedly strong start is the hallmark of “Taepyeongga” and very effective in immediately drawing the audience’s attention even if they are distracted or bored. The unusual start may suggest that people’s desire for unity was great. Now we’ll find out a little bit more about Gyeonggi-do Province’s version of “Taepyeongga.”

What’s the use of being upset? What’s the use of nagging?
There are too many things to be frustrated about.
Why don’t we just go easy and have fun.

The Gyeonggi-do folk version starts out like this, and the lyrics were written by master singer Lee Eun-ju (이은주). When she was living in Daegu after fleeing from the advancing North Korean forces during the Korean War, she was so disheartened by the poverty and ruin that she wrote this song in the hopes of seeing a peaceful world. People liked the song so much that it became one of the better-known Gyeonggi folk songs of all time. It has often been performed as the accompanying music for a fan dance.
Music 2: Gyeonggi Folk Song “Taepyeongga”/ Sung by Jeon Yeong-rang and played by Prelude
That was Gyeonggi folk song “Taepyeongga,” sung by Jeon Yeong-rang with the accompaniment performed by Prelude. The next and final piece we’re going to enjoy is from the pansori “Sugungga (수궁가).” There is a passage about how a sea turtle marvels at the world outside of the water, which he sees for the first time in his life. The passage titled “Gogocheonbyeon (고고천변)” starts out with the description of the red sun blazing in the clear blue sky and the dogs barking in the seaside village with a flock of geese flying near a mountain summit. This sounds like a tranquil and comforting sight even for human beings who have lived on the land for eons. The song’s melody and words are so beautiful and serene that it’s often sung in tandem with gayageum. A new president was elected yesterday and all of us hope that they will lead Korea into a peaceful and prosperous time. Today’s Sounds of Korea will conclude with “Gogocheonbyeon”, in which Jang Seo-yun (장서윤) both sings and plays the gayageum.
Music 3: Gogocheonbyeon/ Gayageum byeongchang by Jang Seo-yun