Play The Gayageum In Seoul: The Most Unique Cultural Experience You Can Have In Korea

Last Updated on November 13, 2025

I’ve lived in Seoul, Korea since 2006 and I’ve had my fair share of unforgettable experiences, eating like a Joseon royal at Gyeongbokgung Palace, sipping tea in the beautiful tea houses of Insadong among them. But the the day I played the gayageum (가야금) while wearing a Hanbok? That is definitely one of the most unique experiences you can have in Korea, if you ask me.

What makes it even more special is how unfamiliar the gayageum is to people outside of Korea. Learning to play the gayageum feels like joining a secret club, one where you walk away not just with new skills, but with a deeper, more personal connection to Korean heritage. If you’re coming to Korea and want to do something that will set you apart, this is it and it’s right near the must-see places in Seoul like the Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Gayageum (가야금); Hanbok, Beautiful Gayageum, Seoul, Korea

This is the traditional Korean musical experience you want to have in Seoul, Korea:

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What is the gayageum?

The gayageum is Korea’s most iconic traditional instrument. It’s a type of zither, usually with 12 silk or nylon strings, although modern versions can have up to 25 strings. The gayageum dates back to the 6th century, originally invented in the Gaya Kingdom by King Gasil, it was inspired by an ancient Chinese instrument.

The instrument’s sound is soft, lyrical, and surprisingly expressive, think sliding tones, delicate plucks, and resonant glides. It’s the kind of sound that pulls you into the past.

Fun Fact: There are two main traditional types of gayageum: the Jeongak gayageum, which is larger with wide-spaced strings for slower, court music, and the Sanjo gayageum, which is smaller and made for fast, expressive folk music.

Why Playing The Gayageum Is So Special

You can listen to the gayageum in performances, sure, but playing it yourself? That’s a whole different story. I’ve heard the gayageum numerous times while living in Korea from concerts held at Korean palaces and performances at Jeongdong Theater, but playing the gayageum gives you a whole new level of appreciation for the instrument.

Playing the gayageum is more than a lesson, it’s a cultural dive, a photo-op for sure, a music jam session, and a history lesson all rolled into one. It’s rare to find an experience that is this interactive as well as meaningful. On top of that, it’s great for kids and for adults, so it’s also family-friendly!

If you’re wondering what to do near Bukchon Hanok Village, what hands-on cultural activity in Korea is going to be fun and memorable, hands down playing a gayageum, a unique Korean instrument, is what you should be looking to do. Book your gayageum lesson now!

Fun Fact: The gayageum was originally called gayago or beopgeum, and was used in royal court music and elegant chamber settings.

Where To Experience The Gayageum: Beautiful Gayageum

Worried you need a music degree? Don’t be. The lessons with Beautiful Gayageum are very beginner-friendly. As I grew up playing the piano and violin, I could already read the music, but even if I couldn’t, they have numbered the strings and the music for people that can’t read music. This is very intuitive so totally doable for newbies.

What You Need To Know

Reserve A Class: You can reserve a class at Beautiful Gayageum through Creatrip.

Address: 3rd floor, 43 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 북촌로5가길 43 3F)

Do you need to speak Korean for the class? No. The lesson is taught via monitors with English, Japanese, and Chinese subtitles where necessary.

How long is the gayageum lesson? This is an 80 minute class so plan to be here an hour and a half as you should arrive a bit early to check in.

First, we put on a Hanbok

To really get into the traditional spirit of the instrument, at Beautiful Gayageum, we had the option to wear a Hanbok for our class which we totally jumped on. Not only was I interested in playing the traditional Korean instrument, but I also wanted some beautiful pictures of the experience, too.

You do not have to wear the Hanbok if you don’t want to. It’s up to you. But it is rather fitting for this particular experience in Korea.

Second, we learn the basic hand positions and movements

Playing does take effort. The teacher thoughtfully goes over the basic hand positions and where and how to pluck for the best sound. After practicing some scales and plucking, it’s time to play a simple version of the iconic Korean song, Arirang (아리랑).

Fun Fact: “Arirang” is included TWICE on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, having been submitted first by South Korea in 2012 and then by North Korea in 2014.

We played that a few times before moving on to a more difficult version of Arirang, in which we practiced some vibrato on the string. This was my favorite song to play mostly because I’ve just heard it so so many times in Korea and it really is beautiful. If you’ve been here for any time at all, you’ve likely heard this song before and know how it can pull at your heartstrings.

Third, we play on our own and practice more

Our teacher, seeing our enthusiasm for not only Arirang, but also Amazing Grace, also brought out some BTS songs and other K-pop songs she had available if we wanted. The instructor at Beautiful Gayageum is so kind and thoughtful and very eager to see the music come alive… even with a few awkward twangs here and there.

If you’ve never plucked an instrument before, or in awhile like me, your finger tips may feel the burn. The teacher has band aids on every music stand just in case. How thoughtful is that? My friend got a blister pretty early in the class. I ended up with one at the very end. Just something to be aware of.

Fourth, we take pictures

The teacher is fantastic and very interested in allowing everyone to get beautiful photos to remember the experience. She will also take some and print one for a certificate keepsake that you get to take home. This is absolutely an experience you’ll want to remember.

See a Gayageum Performance in Seoul

Jinyeon (진연)

See an intimate performance that features traditional Korean instruments like the beautiful gayageum in the beautiful district of Insadong. The performance starts off with traditional Korean music and then the duo in beautiful Hanboks begins to play modern musical renditions that you are sure to recognize. It’s a great opportunity to be up close at a performance in Korea.

Address: 10 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동5길 10)
Performance times: Every day at 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
Book in advance: Booking in advance is required as there is limited seating. Book on Klook.

If you’re looking for something to do in Seoul that feels authentically Korean, doesn’t require prior skills, and leaves you with a very unique memory, playing the gayageum might just be the most unforgettable musical experience you can have in Korea. I went in curious and came out inspired.

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