Question: What do Korean Pansori and Homer’s Odyssey have in common?

Answer: Both of them originated as a form of storytelling oral literature.

Pansori (판소리) is a type of Korean storytelling traditional music performed by a singer and a drummer.  As Pansori began as a form of oral tradition, it is difficult to trace its origin.  However, it is believed that Pansori originated from narrative shaman songs in south-western Korea in the 17th century.  Continue reading →