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Kaya kingdom(or Gaya), 100~1 BC - 562 AD

Paekjae(Baekje) was located in the southwestern part of the Korean peninsula and was one of the most advanced nations at that time. Baekje had the closest communication with neighboring Japan and exerted great influence on various fields of Japanese culture, sending many craftsmen, artisans, tailors, tile makers, and scholars to that country.

Gayageum (12-string zither):
The gayageum is the most representative instrument of Korea. Its origin can be traced back to the Kingdom of Gaya in the sixth century, when the Silla Kingdom was ruled by King Jinheung. However, the actual production of the first gayageum is presumed to have been much earlier. The instrument is constructed with 12 strings supported by 12 moveable bridges. The gayageum can be divided into two groups according to the types of music played upon them. The sanjo gayageum is used in folk and improvisatory musical pieces such as sanjo (solo music with drum accompaniment) and sinawi (improvisational ensemble music). The jeongak gayageum is used in chamber music such as Yeongsan-hoesang (mass at the sacred mountain) or to accompany lyric songs.