Jayanggeum

The geomungo is Korea's representative stringed instrument, made in Goguryeo before the 5th century; its range spans about three octaves, the widest of any Korean instrument. This particular geomungo is a seven-string instrument once played by Yu Jung-gyo (1821–1893). It was donated by his descendant Yu Seong-gyun, who had kept it in his possession, and it is now displayed and managed at the Jecheon Righteous Army Exhibition Hall. It is presumed to have been made in the mid-1800s and is known to be the oldest surviving geomungo. The instrument is made of fine-quality paulownia wood, with fourteen frets (gwae) and seven strings. Its upper surface bears 34 incised characters in five lines, and its reverse 76 incised characters in four lines, believed to be a record by Yu Jung-gyo describing, among other things, the instrument's origin. It is very well preserved, though the strings had corroded and were repaired in 1995.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jecheon, Chungbuk

Designation

Provincial Folklore Heritage · 시도민속문화유산