National Gugak Center

The National Gugak Center, located in Seoul, South Korea, is the primary institution of learning for Korean traditional music.

With a history dating back to the Eumseongseo music institute of the Silla kingdom in the 7th century, The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts was founded under its present name in 1950.

It is dedicated to "preserving and promoting traditional Korean music." Through academic courses, private study, ensembles, research, and performances, it preserves Korea's ancient musical traditions, including the ancient court ritual music called aak as well as the ritual music performed for the Jongmyo (royal ancestral shrine) and the Munmyo (Confucian shrine).