Abstract

The Song Dynasty represents a period of profound cultural and artistic flourishing in Chinese history, where court and folk music coexisted to create a richly diverse musical tradition. Beyond its artistic significance, Song music also carried deep spiritual, philosophical, and ritualistic meanings, reflecting Confucian ideals, Daoist cosmology, and Buddhist influences. By examining Goryeo History – Music, this study explores the overseas transmission and reception of Song Dynasty music in Goryeo, shedding light on the religious and philosophical dimensions embedded within its melodies and lyrical structures. The records of Goryeo History – Music preserve remnants of Song Dynasty gewang music, including repertoires, lyric forms, and melodic styles that have since been lost in China. Through an analysis of Tang music structures, song-breaking musical forms, and Goryeo instrumental adaptations, this research reveals how Goryeo absorbed and transformed Song music, integrating it with local traditions to form an eclectic musical style. More than a mere cultural exchange, this transmission also facilitated the spread of religious themes, as Song music often carried Buddhist chants, Daoist ritualistic elements, and Confucian moral teachings. The study further investigates the transmission pathways—including diplomatic envoy exchanges, migration of Song musicians to Goryeo, and the exchange of musical manuscripts—which not only enhanced Goryeo’s musical performance techniques but also contributed to the deepening of philosophical and spiritual ties between the two regions. By situating this historical transmission within the broader discourse of religious philosophy and sacred music, this study underscores the role of Song music as a vessel for spiritual and ethical thought. It argues that the transcultural flow of musical traditions between Song China and Goryeo was not merely a transfer of artistic expression but also a movement of metaphysical ideas, reinforcing the connection between music, morality, and religious experience. Future research should further explore the role of music in shaping spiritual identities and cross-cultural religious exchanges, offering deeper insights into the philosophical dimensions of musical heritage in East Asia.