Delhi workshop introduces young participants to Korean folk music

Six batches of young Delhi participants learnt Arirang, Ganggangsullae and other Korean folk music forms at the Korean Cultural Centre India from September 8 to 10.

The workshop, titled *Korean Minyo: Learning Korean Traditional Folk Songs through K-Pop and Film*, introduced participants to Minyo, or Korean folk music. They sang, watched folk-dance videos and learnt movement alongside the music.

Cho Eun Joo, a Gyeonggi Minyo practitioner visiting Delhi for the first time, led the sessions. She used K-pop and dance as entry points to traditional songs, and said her research on Rajasthani Langa music had revealed similarities in vocal techniques.

Yashika Nirwal, a master’s student at IGNOU, said Minyo’s rhythm reminded her of K-pop and that Hindi helped while learning Korean lyrics. NSUT design student Sunidhi Sharma said she had come with an interest in K-dramas and enjoyed the chance to sing the songs.

Delhi-based law student Jigyasa Singh, who speaks Korean at an intermediate level, said the higher notes and coordination were demanding and that she would sign up again.