The Legacy of Go Bok-soo: A Musical Journey in Ulsan
울산광역시 중구 중앙1길 9
The Go Bok-soo Music Hall in Ulsan Jung-gu is a cultural space dedicated to Go Bok-soo, a pioneering figure in early Korean trot music during the Japanese colonial period and the years following liberation.
Through exhibition rooms, archival materials, and music listening spaces, visitors can trace both the life of Go Bok-soo and the historical transformation of Ulsan itself, making this a meaningful destination for those interested in Korean music history.
A Musician Who Defined an Era
In Ulsan, the name Go Bok-soo is closely associated with the birth of early trot music. Active from the Japanese colonial period through the years immediately after liberation, he played a significant role in shaping Korea’s popular music scene in the 1930s.
Although he belongs to a generation before many of us today, his name remains familiar, especially among the older generation, thanks to songs that captured the emotions of a turbulent era.
Even now, traces of Go Bok-soo can be found in Ulsan Jung-gu through the Go Bok-soo Music Hall, a space that preserves his legacy beyond recordings and written history.
Walking Along Go Bok-soo Path
The experience begins even before reaching the music hall. The surrounding area features the “Go Bok-soo Path,” a narrow alley that naturally guides visitors toward the site.
As you walk along the path, photographs and quotations related to Go Bok-soo appear, allowing visitors to imagine the atmosphere of the time in which he lived and performed.
His most representative song, Living in a Foreign Land, immediately comes to mind. Widely loved upon release, the song remains a classic trot piece that vividly reflects the emotions of its era.
Inside the Go Bok-soo Music Hall
The Go Bok-soo Music Hall itself resembles a modest two-story house that has been carefully repurposed into an exhibition space.
It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission, making it easily accessible to visitors of all ages.
Upon entering the yard, visitors are greeted by a stone monument engraved with the lyrics of Living in a Foreign Land, alongside a statue of Go Bok-soo that symbolizes his musical identity.
Life and Musical Journey
Inside, a bust of Go Bok-soo from his youth immediately draws attention. His bright expression offers a different impression from the familiar black-and-white photographs, conveying warmth and optimism.
Born in 1912 in Byeongyeong, Ulsan, Go Bok-soo grew up as the son of a noodle shop owner. From an early age, he was drawn to music, often listening to songs played on a phonograph.
He developed his musical skills naturally through singing in a church choir and learning instruments such as drums and clarinet from missionaries, revealing his exceptional talent early on.
At the time, becoming a singer was not socially encouraged, and he faced strong opposition from his father. Despite this, he persisted, eventually earning recognition and even receiving a celebratory gathering hosted by his father.
Exhibitions and Listening Space
The music hall displays a carefully curated collection of artifacts, documents, and memorabilia related to Go Bok-soo’s life and career.
These materials, rarely seen elsewhere, give visitors a deeper appreciation of his contributions and the cultural environment of the time.
There is also a listening space where visitors can hear his songs. Although the melodies may feel unfamiliar compared to modern music, his voice carries a timeless quality that quickly resonates.
Ulsan’s Past and Present on the Second Floor
The second floor offers a different perspective, showcasing photographs of Ulsan’s past and present side by side.
This arrangement transforms the music hall into a broader historical archive, allowing visitors to observe how the city has evolved over time.
Through Go Bok-soo’s story, visitors gain a deeper connection to Ulsan’s cultural identity, recognizing him as an important cultural asset to the city.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Even after retiring from active performance, Go Bok-soo continued to dedicate himself to music by founding the Donghwa Art Academy to mentor future generations.
Notable singers such as Ahn Jung-ae and Lee Mi-ja are said to have studied there, reflecting a life devoted entirely to music from childhood through later years.
Visiting the Go Bok-soo Music Hall is not just about remembering a singer, but about understanding a chapter of Korean music history and the cultural roots of Ulsan itself.
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