User:Yu Hwang Wu

A Study of Gahsa (Korean Verse)

- the period 14~16th century -

by Lee Sang-Bo

In this dissertation an attempt is made by auther to give a clear explanation as to the origin, conception, contents and forms of 'Gahsa', a form of Korean verse, particularly that of hhe period between 14~16th century concerning their writers and developments. The author has expounded the fact that the songs were originated in the second half of the 14th century and that the high Priest Raong's 'Song of Amitabha' was widely propagated through the teaching of Budhist hymns. The basic form of the songs consists of tetrameter (cadence of four syllables) and there is practically no limit for the length of lines. Just as in the case of 'Lofu'(collection of songs) and couplets of China, the Songs of the Fore Period are recorded with the musical notation to be sung. Judging from their contents, subjects and their religious nature, they can be broadly classified into the following categories: (1) 'Songs of Hermitage' (2) 'Songs of Banishments' (3) 'Songs of Wanderings (4) 'Songs of Wars' (5) 'Songs of Morality' (6) 'Songs of Eulogy' (7) 'Songs of Love' (8) 'Songs of Evangelism'

Consequently the whole songs may be classified as follows:

(1) Songs of Hermitage: Song of Spring, Song of Viewing Scenary Pavilion, Song of Thoegye (Retreat to Dales), Song of Sheongshan, and Song of West Lake.

(2) Songs of Banishment: Song of Million Indignations, The Song of the Single-Hearted and a Supplimentary to the Song of the Single-hearted.

(3) Songs of Wanderings: Song of Gwansheo, Song of Gwandong and Song of Baegshang Pavilion.

(4) Songs of Wars: Song of Conquest of the South.

(5) Songs of Moralitys: Song of Harp Music, Song of Husking, Song of Morality and Song of Self Alarm and Song of Good Advices.

(6) Songs of Eulogy: Laudation of the Beauty.

(7) Songs of Love: Laments in the Bouwer.

(8) Songs of Evangelism: Song of Amitabha, Song of Enjoying 'Tao' and the Song of Repentance.