Music has been a part of South Korean tradition for hundreds of years. Korea’s traditional music, Gugak, has been incorporated into many K-pop songs for years. This fascinating fusion enriches K-pop while promoting traditional Korean music as part of the Hallyu wave. But do you know which K-pop songs embrace traditional Korean Gugak music instruments? Let’s check out this exciting list!
K-Pop Songs Using Traditional Korean Music Instruments
South Korea has designated June 5 as Gugak Day. This day was chosen to preserve Korea’s cultural heritage: traditional Korean music.
Specifically, the date commemorates the historical significance of the first recording of the genre as Yeomillak—a musical piece created by King Sejong, meaning “sharing joy with the people.” The piece was added to Sejong Silok (The Veritable Records of King Sejong) in 1447—the 29th year of King Sejong the Great’s reign.
Gugak is Korea’s soulful traditional music, weaving emotion, history, and harmony into something that can break boundaries. When the ancient rhythm uniquely fuses into modern beats, it not only evolves the tradition but also creates a new and timeless harmony.
Currently, the National Gugak Center’s digital audio service features more than sixty live samples of traditional Korean musical instrument sounds, available for visitors to use freely.
K-Pop Songs with Gugak Instruments
A.C.E – “Jindo Arirang”(2021)
Instrument: Gayageum, taepyeongso, and kkwaenggwari.
B.A.P – “No Mercy”(2012)
Instrument: Samul nori.
Agust D – “Daechwita” (2020)
Instrument: Nabal, nagak, taepyeongso, jing.
Agust D – “Haegeum” (2023)
Instrument: Haegeum.
Ateez – “The Real” (2021)
Instrument: Taepyeongso, gayageum.
Blackpink – “Pink Venom” (2022)
Instrument: Geomungo.
BTS – “Idol” (2018)
Instruments: Kkwaenggwari, janggu.
Dreamcatcher – “Piri” (2019)
Instrument: Piri.
Hoshi and Tiger JK – “Tiger” (2022)
Instrument: Geomungo, haegeum, daegeum.
Hwasa – “I’m A B” (2021)
Instrument: Geomungo.
Infinite – “The Chaser” (2012)
Instrument: Haegeum.
G-Dragon – “Niliria” (2013)
Kai – “Peaches” (2021)
Instrument: Gonghu
Mino – “Fiancé (2018)
Momoland – “Baam” (2019)
Instrument: Gayageum, dageum.
Monsta X – “Follow” (2019)
Instrument: Taepyeongso.
M.O.N.T – “The Korean Island Dokdo” (2019)
Instrument: Gayageum, janggu, haegeum.
NCT 127 – “Sticker” (2021)
Instrument: Piri.
ONEUS – “Lit” (2019)
Instrument: Gayageum.
ONEUS – “Luna” (2021)
Instrument: Gayageum, haegeum, piri.
ONEUS – “Same Scent” (2023)
Instrument: Janggu, gayageum.
PSY – “Hangover” (2014)
Instrument: Taepyeongso.
Ravi – “BUM” (2021)
Instrument:Gayageum, haegeum or dageum. It also incorporates pansori.
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Stray Kids – “Thunderous” (2021)
Instrument: Samulnori, Gongs
Seotaiji and Boys – “Anyhow Song” (2013)
Instrument: Taepyeongso.
WINNER’s Song Mino, Andup, Ja Mezz, ft. Paloalto – “Turtle Ship” (2015)
Instrument: Janggo, fayageum.
Sunmi – “Lalalay” (2019)
Instrument: Taepyeongso.
ToppDogg – “Arario” (2014)
Instrument: Gayageum, piri.
TVXQ – “Maximum” (2012)
Instrument: Gayageum
UP10TION “Look at Me” (2019)
Instrument: Gayageum
Vixx -“Shangri La” (2017)
Instrument: Gayageum
Yuju – “Play” (2022
Instrument: Gayageum
Which one is your favorite? Or have you heard other K-pop songs that incorporate traditional Korean music (Gugak) instruments? Drop your answer in the comments below!
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