Which instruments commonly accompany Korean folk music and dance?

Korean folk music and dance are characterized by a lively, earthy style and are frequently accompanied by a variety of traditional instruments.

The most prominent instruments used in these contexts include:

• Janggu: An hourglass-shaped, two-headed drum that serves as a fundamental percussion instrument in much of Korea's traditional music. It is played by striking one head with a hand and the other with a stick.12
• Piri: A cylindrical double-reed aerophone known for its rich, saxophone-like tone, commonly heard in settings ranging from folk festivals to urban parties.3
• Haegum: A two-stringed vertical fiddle that is highly versatile and frequently used in folk and shaman ensembles.4
• Kayagum: A 12-stringed zither regarded as Korea's favorite native instrument; it is heard across all levels of Korean music and dance.3
• Taegum: A large bamboo flute that is a staple in various Korean ensembles.53

In specific folk genres like p’ansori, the performance is traditionally led by a singer-narrator accompanied by a drummer playing a barrel drum known as a puk. Additionally, farmers' dances often feature groups of performers carrying drums while they dance.56