Culture #9 – The Birth of the Geomungo: Music and Culture of Goguryeo

                                           Everyday Culture, Everyday Wonder

Simple traditions, rich stories

Korean traditional music has a history that stretches back thousands of years, deeply woven into the lives, rituals, and spiritual practices of the Korean people. Among the Three Kingdoms, Goguryeo (37 BCE – 668 CE) played a particularly influential role in shaping Korea’s musical heritage. One of its greatest cultural achievements was the creation of the geomungo (거문고), a six-string zither that remains central to gugak (Korean traditional music).

Music in Goguryeo Society

For the people of Goguryeo, music was not merely entertainment—it was essential to communal life, state rituals, and celebrations. Its role was to connect people to nature, strengthen unity, and express joy and solemnity alike.

A striking example of this legacy can be found in the Muyongchong (Tomb of the Dancers), one of Goguryeo’s famous mural tombs. The walls of this 5th-century tomb are painted with scenes of musicians and dancers: flutists, drummers, and string players perform while graceful dancers move in rhythm. These murals provide invaluable insight into how deeply music and dance were integrated into Goguryeo society, capturing both the artistry and the vibrancy of their cultural life.

Goguryeo Muyongchong Mural — “Dance and Music Scene.”

A 5th-century mural illustrating court musicians and dancers of Goguryeo.

The Birth of the Geomungo

Historical records tell us that the geomungo was invented in the 4th century by Wang San-ak, a court musician of Goguryeo. Adapting the Chinese guqin into a new form, he developed a six-string instrument that better reflected Korean musical aesthetics. The geomungo produced a deep, resonant tone, embodying both the solemnity and strength of the Goguryeo spirit.

Symbol of Authority and Learning

Over time, the geomungo became more than just a musical instrument. It was regarded as a symbol of wisdom, refinement, and cultural prestige. For centuries, Korean scholars and noblemen were expected to master the geomungo as part of their education, solidifying its role as both an artistic and intellectual pursuit.

The Enduring Legacy

The music of Goguryeo, with its vitality and collective energy, laid the foundation for many of Korea’s later traditions. The Muyongchong murals remind us that music and dance were integral to life in the kingdom, while the geomungo continues to carry forward that legacy on today’s concert stages—whether in classical court performances, folk traditions, or even fusion with contemporary global sounds.

Why It Matters Today

The story of Goguryeo’s music is a reminder that cultural heritage is more than history—it is a living bridge between past and present. The sound of the geomungo, alongside the enduring images of dancers and musicians from ancient tombs, invites us to connect with the creativity and vitality of Korea’s ancestors.