Reframing a Career Education Framework Informed by Employment Conditions and Job Satisfaction among Korean Traditional Music Majors

This study examines the professional conditions and job satisfaction of graduates in Korean traditional music and uses these findings to propose improvements and a practical framework for career education. An online survey (n=131) and follow-up interviews with five participants were conducted after IRB approval. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were coded and thematically classified. Results show that participants were mostly women in their thirties and forties with graduate-level training, frequently working as freelancers or on temporary contracts, reflecting a flexible yet unstable employment structure. Job satisfaction was slightly above the midpoint (M=3.43), with artistic identity and pride rated highest and financial reward lowest. Qualitative insights further revealed challenges, including inconsistent income, administrative workload, limited institutional support, and insufficient digital skills. Based on these findings, a four-week program emphasizing economic literacy, self-branding, and digital competencies is proposed. This study contributes empirical evidence for refining career education within Korean music programs and offers a practical model to support professional sustainability in a rapidly evolving cultural environment.