Innovative Performance Practices in the Fusion of Traditional and Modern Music: A Comparative Study of Chinese and Korean Musical Cultures

Against the backdrop of globalization and cultural diversity, the integration of traditional and modern music has emerged as a significant trend in contemporary music development. This paper takes the musical cultures of China and Korea as research subjects, employing comparative and field research methodologies to analyze and compare representative cases of traditional and modern music integration in both countries. The findings reveal that the integration of traditional instruments with modern music in China and Korea not only preserves the cultural essence of these nations but also endows traditional instruments with new expressive capabilities, reflecting distinct regional and cultural musical styles. Furthermore, Chinese traditional vocal music, centered on “classical poetry”, “opera”, and “folk songs”, exhibits unique cultural depth and creative tension. In contrast, Korean music, focusing on Pansori and folk songs, emphasizes innovation in narrative and expressive techniques. Through integration and comparison with modern music, this study uncovers the practical value of combining traditional and modern music in cultural inheritance and innovation, providing broader perspectives for the performance and application of integrated music in China and Korea.