This study aims to analyze the current state of Gugak (Korean traditional music) education in the Pleasant Life textbooks for Grades 1–2 under the 2022 Revised Integrated Curriculum and to propose practical improvement plans. Thirty-five Gugak piece...
This study aims to analyze the current state of Gugak (Korean traditional music) education in the Pleasant Life textbooks for Grades 1–2 under the 2022 Revised Integrated Curriculum and to propose practical improvement plans. Thirty-five Gugak pieces included in the textbooks were analyzed in terms of genre, notation, activity type, level of difficulty, and relevance to the unit themes. The analysis revealed several issues, including an overemphasis on traditional and creative Gugak songs, inconsistent or insufficient notation, an imbalance caused by singing-centered activities, the inclusion of songs inappropriate for students’ developmental levels, and a weak connection between unit themes and selected pieces. To address these problems, this study presents five improvement directions to ensure balance and practicality in Gugak education: (1) expanding the range of reference pieces to include various genres such as folk songs, jeongga, and instrumental music; (2) systematizing notation methods according to the type of activity; (3) integrating instrumental performance, physical expression, and creative activities; (4) suggesting reference pieces suitable for the developmental level of lower-grade students focusing on simple traditional songs; and (5) reconstructing pieces and activities that align with unit themes. This study is significant in that it provides teachers with a practical framework for Gugak education that can be applied during the transitional period before textbook revision.