1)      Yeinchum: Dance of Professional Entertainers

Concept and Characteristics

Seungmu [Monk’s Dance], Salpurichum [Exorcist’s Dance], and Taepyeongmu [Great Peace Dance] are considered to be Korea’s representative folk dances. It must not be forgotten, however, that these dances were performed by professional entertainers’ not ordinary people.

Characteristics of Yeinchum

·         It was danced not by ordinary people but by trained people who danced for a living.

·         It was an artistic dance performed for aesthetic appreciation

·         It was danced not outdoors but indoors in the main rooms of private homes or at pavilions.

·         It was performed for pleasure, and usually at yangban parties and feasts.

·         The dancers comprised a special class that included gisaeng, clowns, and shamans.

Types of Yeinchum

·         Seungmu: Monk’s Dance

·         Salpurichum: Exorcist’s Dance

·         Jinju Geommu: Jinju Sword Dance

·         Taepyeongmu: Great Peace Dance

·         Seungjeonmu: Dance of War Victory

·         Hallyangmu: Dance of the Man of Leisure

·         Hakchum: Crane Dance

·         Jinosoechum: Small Gong Dance

·         Sinkaldaesinchum:  Shaman Sword Dance

·         Jinju Gyobang Gutgeorichum: Jinju Professional Entertainer’s Shaman Dance

2)       Minganchum: Commoners’ Dance

                Concept & Characteristics

Minganchum is the dance of ordinary people such as farmers and fishermen. Their dances are connected to the way they make a living, so most of them are work dances, festive dances, or dances related to seasonal customs.

Characteristics of Minganchum

·         It was not created by an individual: it was developed as a communal dance by many people over a long period of time.

·         It is not for a special group of people but a dance for all ordinary people young and old.

·         It is an indigenous dance that reflects the regional culture

·         It is an outdoor dance performed at the site of work or play.

·         It has simple repetitive moves that are easy to perform

·         The focus is on the lower body with diverse steps and forward movement.

·         It is dance of solidarity where all villagers work together for unity.

·         It focuses on amusement rather than artistry

Types of Minganchum

·         Talchum: Mask Dance Drama

·         Nongakchum: Farmers’ Dance and Music

·         Sorichum: Dances to Vocal Accompaniment

·         Heotteunchum: Free Dance

Source: Korean Folk Dance by Lee Byoung-ok