Jongmyo Jeryeak, royal ancestral ritual music, the representative royal court music played during ancestral rites of Joseon kings, was solumn and splendid. In contrast, the commoners who wished to overcome difficulties of the working class usually sang folk songs and pansori, a traditional Korean music that narrates a themed story. With a distinct, inimitable sound, rhythm, and singing technique, pansori was designated as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO.

Traditional Korean music has also greatly influenced Korean pop music. Recently, there is a growing trend of fusion art troupes where traditional Korean music is combined with contemporary elements. Performances such as "Nanta" and "Gugak B-boy" were created through the mix of traditional Korean rhythms and band music. Such fusion music has since been receiving global attention along with hallyu, showcasing Korea's important cultural code to the world.