Northeast Asian History Network

Eastern Wall of the Eastern Gallery - Procession – Pan Flutist

This is a detailed view of the pan flutist depicted on the eastern gallery wall in Anak Tomb No. 3. This type of pan flute is known as a So. It's comprised of sixteen slender, closed-ended bamboo tubes of varying lengths placed in a wooden frame. The tubes at the ends are the longest and gradually become smaller toward the middle. It's also known as a Bongso in Korea as its appearance and sound were said to resemble the wings and cries of a Bonghwang, respectively. Although historical records date the instrument to the King Yejong period of the Goryeo era, its appearance in Koguryo tomb murals predate the records by hundreds of years.
Of the bands depicted on this mural, the mounted pan flutist appears at the tail end of the procession behind the nobleman's carriage. This pan flutist is wearing a Durumagi (traditional Korean overcoat) and an unusual official hat. His attire may indicate that this figure is of higher status than the musicians near the front of the procession.