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Traditional Korean musical instruments have been a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage for centuries.
From the early days of the Korean kingdoms, these instruments have shaped rituals, celebrations, and daily life, evolving alongside the nation’s history.
Their sounds reflect the unique rhythms and melodies of Korea, creating music that resonates with deep emotion and national identity.
Even in modern times, traditional instruments continue to play a significant role, blending with contemporary music and being revived by new generations of musicians.
This article explores some of the most prominent Korean traditional instruments. Each instrument will be described in terms of its construction, how it is played, and how it has been used by influential musicians throughout history.
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Korean String Instruments
Gayageum
The Gayageum is a 12-string zither, known for its soft, resonant sound.
The Gayageum is a traditional Korean string instrument, known for its soft, melodic sound.
It is a type of zither, typically made from paulownia wood, with 12 silk or nylon strings stretched across the top.
The strings are plucked with the fingers, and players can adjust the pitch by pressing the strings down on the frets, creating expressive, delicate tones.
The Gayageum has its origins in the Gaya Confederacy around the 6th century. Originally used in royal court music and for folk performances, it plays a key role in traditional Korean music, including sanjo and pungmul.
A significant musician associated with the Gayageum is Hwang Byungki, who modernized its use and composed pieces that bridged traditional and contemporary styles.
His work helped bring the instrument to international attention. Today, the Gayageum remains a symbol of Korean musical tradition, blending ancient sounds with modern creativity.
Read more facts about the Gayageum musical instrument here.
Geomungo
The Geomungo is a six-string zither with a deeper, more percussive tone.
The Geomungo is a traditional Korean string instrument that has been played for over 1,500 years. It is a type of zither, made primarily from wood, and has six thick silk strings.
The body of the instrument is long and rectangular, and it is typically made from paulownia and chestnut wood.
Players use a small bamboo stick, called a suldae, to pluck the strings, which produce deep, resonant, and somewhat percussive sounds.
The Geomungo was first used during the Goguryeo kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE) and has since held an important place in court and scholarly music. Its sound is strong yet refined, making it perfect for both solo and ensemble performances.
Hwang Byung-ki is one of the most notable musicians who brought the Geomungo to international attention. His work helped preserve and modernize the instrument for new audiences.
Read more facts about the Geomungo musical instrument here.
Haegeum
The Haegeum is a two-string fiddle, played with a bow and producing a high, nasal sound.
The Haegeum is a traditional Korean string instrument with two strings, similar in design to a fiddle.
It has a long wooden neck and a hollow, drum-like body made from hardwood, often covered with animal skin. The strings are typically made of silk or nylon and are played with a horsehair bow. The bow moves between the two strings, producing a high-pitched, slightly nasal sound.
The Haegeum dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and has been used in both court and folk music, known for its expressive, emotional tone. It plays a key role in traditional Korean music, especially in slower, more meditative pieces.
One notable musician associated with the Haegeum is Jeong Jae-guk, who helped popularize the instrument in modern performances. Today, the Haegeum is still widely used in traditional music and has even found its way into contemporary Korean compositions.
Ajaeng
The Ajaeng is a large, bowed zither with a distinctive, rough timbre.
The Ajaeng is a large, traditional Korean string instrument. It is made of wood, with seven or more silk strings stretched across its long, rectangular body.
The strings are played by scraping them with a slender stick made of forsythia wood, which gives the instrument a unique, rough, and deep sound.
The sound is often described as haunting or sorrowful, making it ideal for expressing deep emotions in music.
The Ajaeng originated during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and was primarily used in court music, but it later became a part of folk music as well. It plays an essential role in traditional Korean orchestras, providing rich, low tones that support the overall harmony.
One of the most well-known modern musicians who mastered the Ajaeng is Kim Il-Ryun, who has contributed to keeping this instrument alive and relevant in contemporary music settings.
Read more facts about the Ajaeng musical instrument here.
Wind Instruments
Daegeum
The Daegeum is a large bamboo flute, known for its broad, vibrant tone.
The Daegeum is a large bamboo flute that has been a key part of Korean music for centuries. Made from a single piece of bamboo, it is about 80 cm long and has a mouthpiece and six finger holes.
There is also a small membrane hole that gives the Daegeum its distinctive, slightly buzzing sound. Its tone is warm, deep, and vibrant, capable of producing both soft, mellow notes and louder, resonant sounds.
The Daegeum’s origins trace back to ancient Korean court music, where it was used in royal ceremonies.
Today, it is used in both traditional music and modern fusion genres. One of the most famous musicians associated with the Daegeum is Hwang Byung-ki, who was known for modernizing traditional Korean music while preserving its essence.
Read more facts about the Daegeum musical instrument here.
Sogeum
The Sogeum is a smaller bamboo flute with a higher pitch compared to the Daegeum.
The Sogeum is a small bamboo flute that has been part of Korean traditional music for centuries. It is made from a single piece of bamboo with finger holes drilled into it, allowing the musician to control the pitch.
The Sogeum produces a high-pitched, clear sound that is often soft and delicate, making it perfect for gentle, melodic tunes. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in both folk and court music.
Historically, the Sogeum dates back to Korea’s early kingdoms and has been used in various traditional ensembles. Its simple design and natural materials make it a symbol of Korean musical craftsmanship.
Musicians use their breath control and finger techniques to create expressive melodies. Though not widely known outside Korea, it remains cherished in traditional performances.
Read more facts about the Sogeum musical instrument here.
Piri
The Piri is a cylindrical double-reed instrument, similar to an oboe, used in both court and folk music.
The Piri is a traditional Korean wind instrument, similar to an oboe, with a cylindrical shape. It is made from bamboo and features a large double reed, which gives it a unique, rich, and somewhat nasal sound.
The instrument has eight finger holes, seven in the front and one in the back, allowing for a wide range of notes.
The instrument dates back to ancient Korean courts, where it was used in both court music and folk music. It has a versatile sound, soft enough for indoor performances yet loud enough for outdoor events. Its mellow tone blends well with other instruments, making it an essential part of traditional Korean orchestras.
One of the most famous musicians associated with the Piri is Seo Yong-seok, who was known for mastering and reviving traditional Korean music. His performances helped elevate the instrument’s status in modern times, ensuring its continued presence in Korean musical culture.
Read more facts about the Piri musical instrument here.
Taepyeongso
The Taepyeongso is a loud, double-reed instrument, often used in outdoor performances and celebrations.
The Taepyeongso is a traditional Korean wind instrument that looks like a small, cone-shaped oboe. It is made from wood, with a metal mouthpiece and a large brass bell at the end.
The body of the instrument is often crafted from hardwood, which gives it durability, while the mouthpiece is fitted with a double reed, similar to instruments like the oboe or bassoon.
When played, the Taepyeongso produces a loud, piercing sound that can carry over long distances, making it perfect for outdoor performances. The sound is bright and sharp, often heard during folk dances, military processions, or celebratory events.
The instrument has its origins in Korean folk music and has been used for centuries in festivals and parades. A well-known figure associated with the Taepyeongso is Kim Suk-Chul, a famous Korean shaman and musician, who brought the instrument to the world stage through his performances.
Read more facts about the Taepyeongso here.
Danso
The Danso is a small, end-blown bamboo flute, popular in both traditional and modern music.
The Danso is a traditional Korean wind instrument made from bamboo. It is an end-blown flute with four finger holes on the front and one thumb hole on the back. The Danso is smaller than many other flutes, giving it a light and clear sound with a high pitch.
Its simplicity makes it accessible for beginners but still capable of producing beautiful melodies in skilled hands.
The Danso originated in China and was introduced to Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. In Korea, it became widely used in both court and folk music.
The instrument is especially known for its use in teaching music in schools due to its ease of play and soothing tone.
One famous musician associated with the Danso is Hwang Byungki, a renowned composer who incorporated traditional instruments like the Danso into his works, helping to preserve and promote Korean classical music in modern times.
Percussion Instruments
Janggu
The Janggu is an hourglass-shaped drum, played with both hands and sticks, and is commonly used in traditional ensembles.
The Janggu is a traditional Korean drum, shaped like an hourglass, with two drumheads of different sizes. The body of the drum is usually made from wood, such as paulownia or pine, while the drumheads are made from animal hide, typically cow or deer skin.
The two sides produce different sounds: one side has a higher pitch, while the other produces a deeper, lower sound. This allows the player to create complex rhythms by using sticks or hands to strike the drum.
The Janggu has its origins in ancient Korean music and has been used in court music, folk performances, and religious ceremonies. It is central to many forms of traditional Korean music, including Pansori and Samulnori.
Significant musicians like Kim Duk-soo, a master of Samulnori, have helped popularize the instrument worldwide. The Janggu’s versatile sound adds rhythm and energy to Korean musical performances, making it a key instrument in traditional ensembles.
Read more facts about the Janggu musical instrument here.
Buk
The Buk is a barrel drum, played with sticks, and is often used in court and folk music.
The Buk is a traditional Korean drum that has a barrel shape and is typically made from wood and animal hide. The body of the drum is crafted from hollowed-out wood, usually from a tree like paulownia, and the drumheads are made from stretched cowhide or horsehide.
It produces a deep, resonant sound, often used to provide rhythm in Korean music.
The Buk is played with sticks, and performers strike the drum on both sides to create different rhythms.
Historically, the Buk was used in Korean court music, as well as in folk performances and rituals. It plays a crucial role in traditional genres like Pungmul and Samulnori, which are energetic and rhythm-based music styles.
One of the most significant modern musicians associated with the Buk is Kim Duk-soo, a master of Samulnori, who has popularized Korean percussion music worldwide.
Read more facts about the Buk musical instrument here.
Kkwaenggwari
The Kkwaenggwari is a small brass gong, typically used in folk music and outdoor performances.
The Kkwaenggwari is a small, hand-held brass gong used in traditional Korean music. It is made from a thin metal alloy, usually brass or bronze, and shaped into a flat, round disc.
A wooden mallet is used to strike the gong, producing a high-pitched, sharp, and piercing sound.
This instrument is often played in folk performances and is a key part of samulnori, a type of Korean percussion ensemble.
The origins of the Kkwaenggwari trace back to Korean farmers’ music, where it was used to signal or direct other musicians in a performance.
Its loud, clear sound helps lead the rhythm of the ensemble. The instrument is often associated with outdoor performances and festivals due to its commanding tone.
One significant musician who brought attention to the Kkwaenggwari is Kim Duk-soo, a master of samulnori, who played a crucial role in popularizing traditional Korean percussion music both locally and globally.
Read more facts about the Kkwaenggwari musical instrument here.
Jing
The Jing is a large brass gong, producing a deep, resonant sound, used in both court and folk music.
The Jing is a large, traditional Korean gong made from brass. It has a round, flat shape with a slightly raised center and is typically about 35 to 50 centimeters in diameter.
The instrument is played by striking it with a padded mallet, producing a deep, resonant sound that is both rich and calming. This sound can be soft or loud, depending on how hard it is hit.
The Jing originated from Korea’s royal court music, where it was used in ceremonies and rituals.
Over time, it became popular in folk music and is commonly used in performances like Samulnori, a traditional percussion ensemble. Its low tone complements other higher-pitched instruments.
One of the most famous groups using the Jing is the National Gugak Center orchestra, which preserves Korean traditional music. The instrument plays an important role in keeping time and adding depth to musical performances.
Read more facts about the Jing musical instrument here.
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