Korean traditional music, known as gugak, encompasses a variety of genres and styles that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage. It includes vocal and instrumental music, often performed during festivals, ceremonies, and rituals. Instruments like the gayageum and haegeum are commonly used, showcasing unique sounds that distinguish this music from other traditions. The music is characterized by its use of pentatonic scales and distinct rhythms, which create a soothing and meditative atmosphere. Traditional forms such as pansori, a narrative singing style, and samulnori, a percussion ensemble, highlight the diversity within gugak and its importance in Korean identity.