This study aimed to analyze elementary pre-service teachers’ ‘perceptions of Korean music’, ‘experiences and perceptions of Korean music classes in elementary and middle schools’, and ‘experiences and perceptions of Korean music education in teacher training institutions’ and to present implications for improving pre-service teachers’ Korean music teaching competency. To this end, a survey was conducted targeting 160 pre-service teachers, in order to analyze their experiences and perceptions from various angles, including frequency analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, word frequency analysis and word cloud creation through text mining, and data citation and interpretation. Based on the findings of the study, the following are suggestions for improving the Korean music teaching competency of pre-service teachers. First, in terms of providing the basic knowledge necessary to implement Korean music classes, a plan to increase pre-service teachers’ perceptions of Korean music should be sought. Second, Korean music classes in elementary and secondary education correspond to a preliminary stage for pre-service teachers’ educational growth, and the way pre-service teachers have learned and experienced Korean music in elementary and middle school Korean music classes affects the pattern of teaching Korean music. In this regard, it is necessary to broaden the perspective on the quality improvement of Korean music classes in elementary and middle schools. Third, it is necessary to systematically organize and provide experiences related to Korean music education in teacher training institutions that affect pre-service teachers’ Korean music teaching competency. This study is significant in that it presents implications for improving pre-service teachers’ Korean music teaching competency based on their experiences and perceptions related to Korean music education. In addition to overhauling Korean music education at the Teachers’ Training College, it is expected that teachers will be able to strengthen their ability to teach Korean music when the quality of elementary and secondary Korean music classes experienced by pre-service teachers is improved and the foundation for Korean music education is established in society as a whole.