What is the name of the South Korean traditional folk music characterized by its slow tempo and melancholic melodies?

Answer: Pansori
Detail: Pansori is a traditional form of Korean folk music that originated in the Joseon Dynasty (14th to 19th centuries) and is characterized by its slow tempo, powerful vocals, and emotive storytelling. Pansori performances typically feature a singer (gosu) accompanied by a drummer (gosu) who plays a barrel drum called a buk. The singer performs epic narratives and folk tales, often improvising lyrics and melodies to engage the audience and convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to sorrow and tragedy. Pansori is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO and continues to be cherished as a cultural treasure in South Korea, preserving the country’s oral tradition and musical heritage.