June 08, 2026Jun 08, 2026
KCNA Rodong Sinmun (En)

Kayagum, National Musical Instrument

Date: 11/03/2025 | Source: Rodong Sinmun (En)

West Coast Exchange, North Korea Watcher Conference, Sept. 2026

The wise and talented Korean people have created a lot of admirable cultural heritages in the musical field.

Among them is Kayagum, pride of our people.

Kayagum was created by talented musician Uruk in the early sixth century. The rectangular Kayagum is a stringed instrument having a sound-box and strings, played by strumming or plucking.

At first, the main body of Kayagum was made of paulownia tree. And the manufacturing of Kayagum was changed a little. In the period of Koryo Dynasty, the sound board of Kayagum was made of paulownia tree and the back board was made of chestnut tree.

In the days of Korean Feudal Dynasty, Kayagum had several sound holes symbolizing the sun, the moon and clouds, which were well arranged harmoniously on the back board.

In the era of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the work for developing national musical instruments to suit to the modern demands was conducted in earnest under the wise guidance of Chairman Kim Jong Il. At present Kayagum has 21 strings and its musical range was widened and people can do tuning with ease.

Kayagum manufacturing was registered as intangible cultural heritage of the nation No. 65.

Rodong Sinmun

More From Rodong Sinmun (En)

Press Statement of Kim Yo Jong, Department Director of C.C., WPK

Press Statement of Kim Yo Jong, Department Director of C.C., WPK

Kim Yo Jong, department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, issued the following statement on June

June 08, 2026

Kim Yo Jong, department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, issued the following statement on June

Schoolchildren in DPRK Celebrate KCU Birthday

Schoolchildren in DPRK Celebrate KCU Birthday

The Korean Children’s Union recorded the 80th founding anniversary in the proud course of its development. On this occasion,

June 08, 2026

The Korean Children’s Union recorded the 80th founding anniversary in the proud course of its development. On this occasion,

KCU Birthday Celebrated in DPRK

KCU Birthday Celebrated in DPRK

The members of the Korean Children’s Union significantly celebrated the 80th KCU founding anniversary. Pak Thae Song and Jo

June 08, 2026

The members of the Korean Children’s Union significantly celebrated the 80th KCU founding anniversary. Pak Thae Song and Jo

Conference Held with Splendor to Commemorate 80th KCU Birthday

Conference Held with Splendor to Commemorate 80th KCU Birthday

The Korean Children’s Union, a mass political organization of schoolchildren who are the future and hope of our state and

June 07, 2026

The Korean Children’s Union, a mass political organization of schoolchildren who are the future and hope of our state and

KCU Members Donate Tractors

KCU Members Donate Tractors

Sonyon (children) tractors were donated with due ceremony in the front yard of the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace on June

June 07, 2026

Sonyon (children) tractors were donated with due ceremony in the front yard of the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace on June

Art Performance Given to Mark 80th Founding Anniversary of KCU

Art Performance Given to Mark 80th Founding Anniversary of KCU

An art performance of schoolchildren "Forward towards the Future of a Powerful Country Flying the Red Neckties" was given at the

June 07, 2026

An art performance of schoolchildren "Forward towards the Future of a Powerful Country Flying the Red Neckties" was given at the

Story of June 6 to Be Conveyed Forever

Story of June 6 to Be Conveyed Forever

Holiday He Spent with Children’s Union Members On June 6, 1961, celebrations of the 15th founding anniversary of

June 07, 2026

Holiday He Spent with Children’s Union Members On June 6, 1961, celebrations of the 15th founding anniversary of

Looking Up at Our Dignified National Flag

Looking Up at Our Dignified National Flag

Officials, teaching staff and students of Kim Chaek University of Technology are wrapped in solemn emotion looking up at our

June 06, 2026

Officials, teaching staff and students of Kim Chaek University of Technology are wrapped in solemn emotion looking up at our

Great Care of Bringing Up Future of Country

Great Care of Bringing Up Future of Country

The Most Important Affair of Party and State It is the honor and pride of the Korean Children’s Union that it has adorned an

June 06, 2026

The Most Important Affair of Party and State It is the honor and pride of the Korean Children’s Union that it has adorned an

"I Will Prove Myself Worthy of Sky-high Trust"

"I Will Prove Myself Worthy of Sky-high Trust"

I am one of the fortunate who was honored to participate in the Ninth Congress of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea

June 05, 2026

I am one of the fortunate who was honored to participate in the Ninth Congress of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea

More Articles