A Study on the Performance Space Characteristics and Actual Conditions of Gugak Performance Halls

Abstract

This study intends to lay the foundation for reviewing and discussing appropriate type of performance hall through a survey on the current status of gugak (Korean traditional music) performance halls. Furthermore, it aims to promote the development of gugak performances by establishing a performance environment where gugak performances can be enjoyed close to their original form. It analyzes the form of five gugak centers--National Gugak Center, National Folk Gugak Center, National Namdo Gugak Center, Busan National Gugak Center, and Seoul Donhwamun Gugak Center--which are currently operating as major gugak venues. The results of this study are as follows. First, most of the existing stages of gugak performance halls are in the form of prosinium. The reason is that it is generally the most commonly used form in concert halls, and it can be assumed that it was influenced by the form of Western concert halls. Second, based on the two-dimensional shape in which chairs are arranged, the most common types of seats in the gugak performance halls are horseshoe-shaped and shoebox-shaped. The reason why these appear most frequently is because, firstly, they are the most commonly used forms among performance halls, and secondly, it is presumed that they are the most effective forms when conveying the voice of the performer or considering acoustic characteristics. Third, unlike the Western stage, the contact and distance between the performer and the audience is very important for audience participation in gugak performance. In most types, it should be considered that the relationship between the viewer and the player is dynamically and three-dimensionally combined, rather than distinguishing between them. Fourth, the size of the stage and audience, the two-dimensional viewing angle, and the viewing distance vary depending on the type of performance. Therefore, it is necessary to specify the type of performance according to the performance hall or to suggest a performance hall that can be used variably. Fifth, considering the tendency of the latest performances, such many performances as instrumental music and pansori have been performed in small-scale performance halls. It can be inferred why the recently opened gugak concert halls such as Pungnyu Sarangbang and Donhawmun Gugakdang Hall are in small-scale. Sixth, there are three types of outdoor gugak performance halls: a circular shape like the Moonlight Yard of the Namdo Gugak Center, a long rectangular shape like the Starlight Yard of the Namdo Gugak Center, and a semicircular shape like the outdoor yard of the Busan Gugak Center.