The MA in Traditional Performing Arts at Korea National University of Arts is offered through the School of Korean Traditional Arts in Seoul. The program focuses on advanced study and professional training in Korea’s traditional performing arts, including music, dance, and dramatic performance. It aims to preserve the heritage of Korean cultural arts while encouraging students to develop new creative interpretations and contemporary expressions of traditional art forms.
The program typically lasts two years (four semesters) and combines practical performance training with academic research. Students study subjects such as Korean traditional music theory, performance practice, choreography, traditional dramatic arts, and research methods. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on artistic practice, allowing students to perform, compose, and analyze traditional Korean arts in depth.
Within the School of Korean Traditional Arts, students may specialize in areas such as Korean Traditional Music, Korean Traditional Dance, Korean Traditional Dramatic Performing Arts, Traditional Music Composition, or Traditional Arts Theory. These specializations help students build professional expertise in specific forms of traditional performance such as mask dance, folk performance, court music, and other classical Korean cultural expressions.
The program also provides strong practical experience through performances, workshops, and collaborations with professional artists. Students regularly participate in stage productions, exhibitions, and cultural events to develop their artistic skills and gain real-world experience in the performing arts industry. Graduates of the program often pursue careers as professional performers, educators, researchers, cultural program directors, or arts administrators, contributing to the preservation and global promotion of Korean traditional arts.
NOTE: The university may have additional program-specific eligibility requirements. It is recommended to verify these on the official university website.