What if Disco Started in Goguryeo?

Imagine a world where the flashy, upbeat tunes of disco first emerged not in the bustling clubs of 1970s America, but instead in the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. Picture warriors grooving on the battlefield to funky basslines and glittering lights illuminating majestic palaces as they pulsate to infectious rhythms. In this alternate universe, we explore what it would look like if disco started in Goguryeo – a fascinating blend of history, culture, and dance that will surely have you longing for a time machine to experience the ultimate throwback party.

What is Goguryeo?

Goguryeo was an ancient Korean kingdom that existed from 37 BCE to 668 CE. It is considered one of the three kingdoms of Korea, along with Baekje and Silla. Goguryeo occupied a vast territory in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, including parts of modern-day Manchuria and Russia's far east.

The origins of Goguryeo are shrouded in mystery, but according to legend, it was founded by King Jumong, who was said to be the son of Hae Mo-su, a deity from heaven. The kingdom flourished under the rule of King Yuri (19 BCE-18 CE) who expanded its territory and established diplomatic relationships with neighboring countries such as China and Japan.

One notable aspect of Goguryeo was its strong military power. The kingdom had a well-trained army that used advanced tactics and weapons like iron swords and armor. They were able to defend their borders against invasions from other neighboring kingdoms, making them one of the most powerful states in East Asia at that time.

Musical Instruments of Goguryeo

Goguryeo, a powerful kingdom that reigned in ancient Korea from the 1st century BCE to the 7th century CE, is known for its rich cultural heritage. Music played an important role in Goguryeo society as it was not only used for entertainment but also served religious and ceremonial purposes. The musical instruments of Goguryeo were highly sophisticated and diverse, reflecting the kingdom's advanced civilization and artistic prowess.

One of the most prominent musical instruments in Goguryeo was the gayageum, a traditional stringed instrument similar to a zither. It had twelve strings made of silk or nylon and was played by plucking with both hands. The gayageum was often accompanied by singing and dancing, making it an essential part of court performances and celebrations.

The daegeum, a large bamboo flute with six finger holes, was another popular instrument in Goguryeo music. It was played by blowing air into one end while covering different combinations of finger holes to produce various notes. The daegeum was versatile and could be used for solo performances or as an accompaniment to other instruments.

In addition to these stringed and wind instruments, percussion instruments also held significant importance in Goguryeo music. The janggu, a double-headed drum made of animal skin stretched over a wooden frame, produced deep rhythmic beats that set the tempo for songs and dances. Another commonly used percussion instrument was the kkwaenggwari, a small gong made of brass or iron that added sharp accents to musical pieces.

An interesting aspect of Goguryeo music is the use of special bells called pyeonjong during rituals and ceremonies. These bronze bells were struck with wooden mallets to create long sustained tones believed to summon spirits or deities during religious rites.

So, Disco in Goguryeo

With the instruments available at the time, gayageum, daegum, drums, gongs, and bells, Disco music would have sounded much different in Goguryeo compared to modern times. The sound would have been more traditional and less electronic, but the energy and rhythm of Disco could still be felt.

The gayageum, a plucked string instrument, could have been used to play the classic funky bass lines that are characteristic of Disco music. The daegum, a large bamboo flute, could have added a melodic element to the music with its deep and resonant sound. The drums, gongs, and bells would provide the beat and create an infectious groove for people to dance to.

In terms of lyrics, songs in Goguryeo may have revolved around themes of love, joy, and celebration. These topics are often found in traditional Korean music and could easily fit into a Disco genre.

The dancing style in Goguryeo would also differ from modern-day Disco dancing. Rather than the popular moves like the hustle or the electric slide, people in Goguryeo may have incorporated more traditional Korean dance movements such as fan dances or ribbon dances.

Overall, while the sound and style may be different from what we know as Disco today, the spirit and energy of this genre would still be present in Goguryeo's interpretation of it. It would have been a lively and joyful celebration of music and dance, bringing people together to have a good time.

Or possibly in a hilarious martial contest....

What if Disco originated in Goguryeo Era Korea?
What could it look like?

These are some AI renderings of Goguryeo Disco.