The National Gugak Center since March 17 has uploaded daily gugak (traditional Korean music) performances weekdays on its YouTube channel and official website. (YouTube screenshot of National Gugak Center)

By Xu Aiying and Lee Hana

The National Gugak Center in Seoul is uploading daily performances of gugak (traditional Korean music) weekdays on its YouTube channel and official website.

The center began posting the videos on March 17 to offer viewers performances at a time when most concerts are being canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Korea National University of Arts was the first to start uploading videos of performances on March 11 in a series of "hope concerts."

The center's videos will feature performances and explanations of the pieces by the performers.

The gugak videos for March will include 11 performances by the traditional music group Jeongakdan and the folk music group Minsokakdan. The works include "Namdo Sinawi," or musical improvisations by a small instrumental ensemble during shamanistic rituals, and an elaborate performance of ancient court music called "Jongmyo Jeryeak."

From April, the variety of performances will grow as videos will feature traditional dances and original gugak pieces.

xuaiy@korea.kr