A Comparative Study of Music Curriculum Standards in China and South Korea: Policy Development and Educational Strategies

Purpose: This study aims to analyze and compare the latest compulsory education music curriculum standards in China and South Korea, exploring the different strategies employed in music education and their impacts. The Chinese "Compulsory Education Art Curriculum Standards (2022 Edition)" adopt a comprehensive art education framework, emphasizing the cultivation of aesthetic literacy, the inheritance of outstanding traditional Chinese culture, and interdisciplinary integration to enhance students' musical literacy, aesthetic appreciation, and cultural identity. The South Korean "2022 Music Curriculum" focus on developing "creative and integrative talents," highlighting the role of music education in fostering students' creativity, social adaptability, and cultural understanding. The curriculum content encompasses four core competencies: aesthetic experience, music creation, social communication, and cultural comprehension, incorporating interdisciplinary teaching methods, digital music technology, and modern popular music to broaden the scope of music education. Methodology: This study employs Bereday’s Comparative Education Four-Step Method to systematically analyze the policy objectives, curriculum framework, learning goals and core concepts of the two countries' music curriculum standards. Literature analysis and policy text comparison are used to summarize the similarities and differences between the two standards. Findings: The study reveals that China places greater emphasis on integrating music education with cultural heritage and aesthetic experience, while South Korea focuses more on aligning music education with modern technology, industry demands, and globalized arts education. Moreover, significant differences exist in curriculum implementation models, teaching methods, and evaluation systems between the two countries. Practical Implications: The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing future music education policies and practices in China and South Korea. This comparative analysis not only deepens the understanding of the music education models in both countries but also offers theoretical and practical implications for future curriculum reforms, fostering international collaboration in arts education. value: This study offers a novel contribution by comparing and analyzing the music curriculum standards of China and South Korea, highlighting their distinct educational philosophies, strategies, and implementation methods. The research provides a solid foundation for further refinement and improvement of music education policies in these two countries.