Detail

`The Ministry of Communications is issuing these two stamps as the first part of a series designed to introduce Korea`s traditional musical instruments. The series includes 10 kinds of such stamps, all of which will be issued in 1974. 1. Komunko (Also called Hyonkum) A long zither, this instrument is said to have been invented by Wang San-ak, a musician of the Koguryo period. It has six strings made of twisted silk threads. The second, third and fourth strings are stretched over 16 bridges. The top side of the instrument is made of paulownia and the bottom side, chestnut wood. A player, with a small bamboo rod, strikes or plucks the strings just above the band of leather glued across one end of the soundboard. Komunko is used for a solo performance or in a concert. It is also played to accompany a Korean classical lyric. 2. Nagak (A shell trumpet) Also called Sora, this shell trumpet has been used since the Koryo period. It produces only one deep note as a bugler blows it through a hole made at the sharp tip of the shell. Now it is used in the Korean military music.`