The Role and Direction of Korean Music Education for the Practice of Ecological Transformation Education

In the period of changing into ecological transformation education emphasized in the ‘General Discussion’ of the 2022 Revised Curriculum, this study took a view of the role and tasks of Korean music education. This study examined the philosophical perspectives contained in the music of Korean ancestors and the value of music culture practiced in their lives in the present society. As a result, it was possible to draw an agreement between Korean music and ecological transformation education, and based on this, the contents that should be mainly taught in Korean music education were presented.First, this study highlighted the meaning of ‘Ye-Ak(the proprieties and music) thought’ emphasizing unity with nature. What is the most important at this point is the change of the human view on nature. The gist of ‘Ye-Ak thought’ is that the proprieties and music should be formed just as individuals and the society are operated following the law of nature. Therefore, it is necessary to expand opportunities to teach the perspective of ancestors who pursued the harmony of heaven and earth through music in the field of education. Through this, the role of music can be recognized, and the right relationship between nature and humans can be established.Second, it was emphasized that the change of seasons and the local climate can be acclimatized through various music existing in each region. If one looks at the music culture of Korean ancestors, such as gagok and folk songs, one can understand the cycle of seasons and see how they lived in symbiosis with nature. In this way, it is necessary to inspire eco-friendly emotions and affection for one’s home by educating the way of living a life adapting to nature and the music that exists in life.Third, The necessity of education on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity was emphasized, as part of education for sustainable development. Among various intangible cultural heritage listed by UNESCO, there is much related to music. Analyzing this showed how humankind in past times lived with nature.Furthermore, by investigating various cultural heritage across the world besides Korea’s intangible cultural heritage, one can figure out what values one should pursue for human prosperity. Accordingly, it is necessary to further strengthen education on the intangible cultural heritage of humankind in the upcoming 2022 revised music curriculum.As ecological transformation education is what should be educated as a priority for the survival of future generations, it is necessary to treat it with an emphasis on the music curriculum. It is expected that the findings of this study will serve as the basis for music education in schools about the view of nature contained in Korean music and eco-friendly sentiments.