Detail

`The Ministry of Communications issues four postage stamps with the theme of the traditional musical instruments as first part of the series, beginning from the year 1991, to publicize the Korean musical instruments. 1. Unra Unra is an instrument which is consisted of 10 small brass gongs hung on a wooden frame. To play this instrument, a performer uses a wooden hammer-shaped stick. When palyed, the instrument makes light sounds. During processional marches, a handle underneath the instrument is used for holdwhen played while sitting down, it is propped up on a support. ``Unra`` has been in use for military marches since the late Chosun Dymasty period. 2. Jing According to historical records, the name of this instrument varies with the occasions : when played during religious ceremonies for royalty, it is called ``Daegum`` for military, court, of farm music, it is called ``Jing``. In particular, for the farm music, ``Jing`` is played at the beginning of each rhythm while ``Ggwengga-ri`` (samll gong)is played for rapid beats. 3. Saeng-hwang Saeng-hwang is a free-reed mouth organ and has a number of bamboo pipes of different length. There is a hole underneath the bamboo pipes which is used to control sound. Moreover, there is a metal piece which makes sound when inhaling and exhaling into the instrument. Such a principle of playing this instrument is similar to that of a harmonica. 4. Galgo Size and shape of ``Galgo`` are similar to those of ``Janggo``, an hourglass-shped Korean drum. However, leather on each end of ``Galgo`` is thinner than that of``Janggo`` and there is also a bind on each side. Futhermore, it is played with two sticks unlike ``Janggo`` which is played with one stick and one hand. ``Galgo`` has been in use after king Yeong-jo`s reign during the Chosun Dynasty periodhowever, it is no longer in use. `