WHICH DO YOU PREFER, POPULAR OR traditional songs? Perhaps, most university students would answer that the former is more popular. However, in January 2002, three female university students traveled for 6 months as foreigners to share Korean traditional music with the world. They took their traditional Korean musical instruments the Gayagum, Daegum, and the Jango with them. Dong-hee Lee, Seong-min Cha, and Young-ju Park, were Seoul National University students majoring in Korean classical music. The Yeungnam Observer (YNO) had an opportunity to interview one of the students, Park Young-ju. Lets get to know more about their very special sound by traveling through her interview.
 Y:  What made you decide to travel abroad and what was the purpose of this travel?
 P:  In the summer of 2001, Miss Cha made overtures to me to travel with her. At that time I was in agony over whether or not I liked Korean traditional music as I'd lived with it all my life. I made up my mind to stop my work and go on the trip. Miss Lee decided to join us. By traveling to many different countries and playing Korean traditional music, we were able to introduce an important aspect of our culture and learn about other countries. We were excited about the possibility of making inroads into foreign countries by sharing Korean traditional music. By traveling and playing abroad we were able to promote Korean traditional music. I went to 16 countries, which were India, Iran, Greece, Italy, Germany, France, and so on. We had a good reaction from most countries. Among them, there were two places-Germany and Paris- that I can't forget. In Paris, when we played on the art bridge, people were only watching us so the other artists left and an American married couple was moved to tears.
 Y:  Why did you wear traditional Korean dress during the travel?
 P: We were well received and it was a big hit abroad. Many of the foreigners would ask us where we bought our clothing. I felt pride as a Korean. Through this trip I was convinced to pursue a career playing Korean traditional music. 
 Y: What is the fascination with Korean traditional music and what do you think will be the future of  it?
 P: The fascination with Korean traditional music is based on the fact that it's familiar to us, it's comfortable because the music is a part of our lives at work, when we sleep, and at our funerals, etc. In foreign countries, many people like our music and it is beginning to be acknowledged internationally. Its our turn. I believe it will be the center of Korean music and this is also my dream. 
    Park Young-ju was a normal girl who likes popular singers, such as B, like many other students.  However, they had the courage to share a piece of traditional Korean culture with the world.  We need to model their behavior loving our culture and possessing a mind that is ready to be challenged. Koreans are not one isolated group but a part of the international community. We should continue to share our music with the world.