In discussing the question of the folkness of Korean folk traditions, several trends or possible approaches exist. Various scholars, artists, and performers, in fact, agree that in Korea there is considerable overlap - for whatever reason- between styles that would be considered folk, art, or popular in the West.

To reach a usable and understandable definition of Korean folklife today we must understand this blurring of borders and also the context of folk traditions as affected by the onslaught of modernization and technology, by modern educational systems, and by international trade, communication, and tourism.